Jeepie, on going to Vanguard directly, much depends on how large your account is. Vanguard has extra charges for small account, less than $10K, last I heard. They do not charge for individual additions, but they do have minimums.

On the ETF's you will be charged commissions (at low discount rates) each time you buy or sell shares. Sounds like Scottrade will now charge you for individual mutual fund transactions too.

So best is sit down with the numbers and figure out what is best in your case. What you plan to invest in, how often, and how much. Assuming you plan to invest something like $3500 per year, most economical will probably be to accumulate your funds--preferably in a money market or a saving account and then make one or two transfers per year.

Check out the charges before you decide. Also look into annual maintenace fees, if any.

Good luck