on your own
Cost = ongoing fees
Effort = initial / ongoing work
Size = minimum investment
Three stars = a lot
One star = a little
We use the same star-system for ready-made and do-it-yourself strategies so you can compare them across both categories
WHAT ABOUT INVESTMENT ADVISORS AND FINANCIAL PLANNERS?
When your investment portfolio is bigger and more complicated, you may decide to seek assistance of an investment advisor or financial planner. You may already have access to such services if your family is using them.
If you have a job and your employer offers an investment plan, consider opting in.
- If you opt in, your employer will match your contribution to their plan (usually up to 4% of your annual pay). It's 'free money'. - you earn investment income and can withdraw it once you retire.
in a group - employer investment plans
When you pick a strategy you like, we recommend you read that section fully.
ready-made investing
A ROBO-ADVISOR ETF PORTFOLIO
Robo-advisor ETF portfolios are also great for beginners, though the concept and the ETF products inside them can be a bit more daunting.
A PORTFOLIO INDEX MUTUAL FUND
A portfolio mutual fund is for those who don't have time or really don't care to learn the intricacies of investing. You can buy them directly from a bank.