Whether you are a do-it-yourself investor with an online brokerage account, or you get investment recommendations from a broker at a full-service brokerage firm, you'll typically receive an account statement monthly, or at least quarterly, and a trade confirmation every time you buy or sell a security.

WSJ: Why You Should Read What Your Broker Sends You

He sees Personal Capital providing a transparent, high-quality, mass-customized service for these investors and moving past the paternal, craftsman-like approach of a full-service brokerage or the assembly-line mentality of mutual funds.

FORBES: Personal Capital Is More Than Mint For Rich People

If you try this at a full-service brokerage, you're likely to get a stern lecture.

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