Robo-advisors use software and automation to manage your investments. They usually start by asking about your goals and risk tolerance before using algorithms to construct a portfolio of mutual funds or ETFs tailored specifically for you.
An advisor can rebalance and automate tax-loss harvesting on your behalf, saving time and delivering superior returns compared to doing it alone.
1. Cost
Cost of using robo-advisors varies significantly, so always compare fees when shopping around. Look for low management fees (known as expense ratios) as well as transaction charges and ETF fees; additionally be mindful of account type minimums – some robo-advisors charge additional fees when used in taxable accounts or offer tax loss harvesting only on these types of accounts.
A typical robo-advisor will use an online questionnaire to collect information on your age, risk tolerance and goals before investing your funds in exchange-traded funds or other assets, over time managing your portfolio over time. Some will even automatically rebalance or perform other functions such as tax-loss harvesting if applicable – adding or subtracting assets based on changes to your situation or personal goals.
2. Automation
Robo-advisors employ advanced technology to automate the investment process, saving both costs and making investing more accessible. They typically employ passive index strategies that replicate market returns; using advanced algorithms to optimize an investor’s risk-return tradeoff; using modern portfolio theory to construct diversified portfolios automatically managed, including rebalancing and tax-loss harvesting – these robo-advisors offer a convenient service that reduces costs while making investment accessible for more investors.
Investors typically interact with their robo-advisor during the account opening process and to complete risk profiling and asset allocation tasks; thereafter, it takes care of everything automatically.
Some robo-advisors also feature human support to offer assistance with tech and account issues, which may be especially useful to novice investors who might appreciate some reassurance and financial education. It should be noted, however, that humans cannot override robo-advisor’s risk-level assignment or change portfolio composition.
3. Taxes
Some robo advisors charge service fees and expenses related to investments they use – known as management fees – which can be an important component of long-term account performance.
Many robo advisors require you to fill out a questionnaire that assesses your financial goals and risk tolerance before using algorithms to create a portfolio, typically composed of mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
Robo advisors also rebalance your portfolio automatically to maintain the desired level of asset allocation and risk, including selling securities at a loss to offset gains elsewhere – known as tax-loss harvesting – although this feature only works if your account is held within a taxable brokerage account; investors who need to coordinate company benefit packages or 401(k)s with other accounts may not take full advantage of this feature.
4. No human interaction
Robo-Advisors use algorithms to assess your financial situation and create an optimum portfolio, but may not be suitable if your finances are more complex.
Some robo-advisors offer tax loss harvesting, which entails selling losing investments and using their proceeds to offset your current taxes – an approach which may help avoid paying more in future and maximize long-term gains.
Tax-loss harvesting isn’t available with every robo-advisor, so take the time to carefully research each option before choosing one. Some offer human support only for tech and account related inquiries while others require either having a minimum account balance or higher management fees in order to receive one-on-one assistance from human advisors.
5. Time factor
If you have significant funds to invest, human advisors might provide more effective services than automated advisors in creating personalized strategies tailored specifically to your goals and financial situation.
Robo-advisors tend to employ diversified portfolios as a means to reduce risk, and can automatically rebalance them for you. Furthermore, they provide features such as tax loss harvesting – selling securities at a loss in order to save on capital gains taxes at year’s end – that enable investors to save capital gains taxes at tax time.
Users’ performance expectations about new technology play an influential role in their decision to adopt it, with more likely adopting an automated advisor that prioritizes their interests over those of the service provider (Venkatesh et al. 2003) – one factor explaining its popularity among its target users.
