Consumer Reports ranks brokers: USAA is No. 1

It's a reflection of the world in which we live: ATMs over bank tellers. Drive-through over counter service. And discount brokerages over their more expensive, full-service competitors.

Consumer Reports recently released its annual survey of stock brokerage firms. Even though half of respondents said their investments plummeted, most were relatively happy with the advice and service they got from their brokers. But those who used discount brokers were "considerably more satisfied" versus those using full-service brokers.