For a long time, the assumption was that if you wanted to invest in stocks, bonds or anything more complicated than a savings account, you would need to find yourself a trustworthy broker in the area. But with the emergence of online brokers, the market has changed, opening the possibility for you to make your own investments.

The investment world has always had a mystique around it, with the perception that trading stocks or navigating the workings of the financial system requires a unique set of skills. And that idea tended to create separation between investors and the money they were putting into the market. Traditional brokerages would offer financial planning and advice, as well as conducting all the trades or other business that you needed addressed.

By giving investors the tools to manage their finances themselves, online brokers allow for the creation of a more personalized investment strategy, but also remove the experience and resources provided by the traders themselves. While this jump can be intimidating, there are some very real advantages to be gained from choosing a brokerage site over a traditional brick-and-mortar advisor.