[idnefju]

I believe you still need a broker for ETFs, which usually carry brokerage fees.

[ksherlock]

With mutual fund companies, including Vanguard, generally you can open an account directly with them and buy directly from them (including partial shares, automatic monthly purchases, and dividend/capital gain reinvestments).

[triceratops]

Vanguard doesn't charge brokerage fees for their own ETFs. They also went fee-free for individual stocks this year.

[astura]

Most brokers don't charge commission on a large variety of select low cost efts