Investing is a personal journey. At Betterment, we recognize that many individuals prefer a hands-on approach to managing their own portfolios. A recent survey indicated that 75% of users engage in some form of self-directed investing. This insight has prompted us to enhance our platform, merging the efficiency of automated tools with the flexibility of self-directed trading.
Our objective is straightforward: to create an environment where users can seamlessly buy and sell thousands of stocks and ETFs while benefiting from a customer-centric approach.
Betterment enables you to take control of your investments without the burden of high commissions.
Table of Contents:
Understanding self-directed investing
Self-directed investing goes beyond executing trades; it involves choosing the right path for your financial goals. Different investors have varying motivations—some are passionate about supporting companies they believe in, while others enjoy the intellectual challenge of market analysis. Many also value the autonomy that comes with managing their own investments.
Personalized control at your fingertips
Betterment’s self-directed investing feature allows users to manage their investments alongside automated portfolios. This integrated approach provides a comprehensive view of your financial landscape in one place. Whether managing cash accounts or engaging in self-directed trades, our platform equips you with the necessary tools for oversight.
What distinguishes Betterment from traditional stock trading platforms is our emphasis on minimizing financial surprises. Frequent transactions in self-directed trading can lead to unexpected tax implications. Customer feedback indicates that managing these tax consequences is a primary concern.
Tax insights tailored for you
At Betterment, we address the challenge of tax implications through our unique tax impact preview feature. This tool allows you to assess how selling a stock or ETF may influence your tax situation before making decisions. It also accounts for potential wash sales, which occur when a security is sold at a loss and repurchased within a designated period, affecting your tax deductions.
By offering these insights, we eliminate guesswork and enable informed investment decisions. This is especially crucial for self-directed investors looking to maximize returns while minimizing tax burdens.
Getting started with self-directed investing
Starting your self-directed investing journey is straightforward. First, ensure you are prepared to take control of your financial future. Consider your investment goals and the level of involvement you desire in managing your portfolio.
Next, explore our platform and familiarize yourself with the available tools. You can fund your self-directed account through various methods, including transferring funds from a linked bank account or moving assets from another brokerage. It is important to note that transferring assets will result in the sale of securities, which may have tax implications.
Betterment’s pricing structure
Investing with Betterment is designed to be cost-effective. Our low fees enhance your investment experience without imposing a financial burden. The advantages of our automated investing include expertly curated portfolios and ongoing advice, all while keeping management costs low.
Our objective is straightforward: to create an environment where users can seamlessly buy and sell thousands of stocks and ETFs while benefiting from a customer-centric approach. Betterment enables you to take control of your investments without the burden of high commissions.0
Our objective is straightforward: to create an environment where users can seamlessly buy and sell thousands of stocks and ETFs while benefiting from a customer-centric approach. Betterment enables you to take control of your investments without the burden of high commissions.1
Our objective is straightforward: to create an environment where users can seamlessly buy and sell thousands of stocks and ETFs while benefiting from a customer-centric approach. Betterment enables you to take control of your investments without the burden of high commissions.2
