What is it? Robo-advisors are virtual financial planners that uses smart computer programs. Think of it as having a financial advisor in your pocket that works 24/7, using algorithms to help you grow your money over time. It's a convenient and cost-effective way to start investing without the need for a lot of financial know-how.

How it works: A robo-advisor automatically manages your investments. You provide information about your financial goals, how much risk you're comfortable with, and how long you plan to invest. The robo-advisor then uses this info to create and manage a diversified investment portfolio for you.

The investment choices are based on things such as:

  • How much risk you’re willing to bear

  • What level of returns you want

  • When you need the money

  • Based on these factors, robo-advisors frequently pick Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs).

Benefits of a Robo-Advisor

  • Lower Cost: Unlike traditional financial advisors who may charge high fees for their services, robo-advisors often have lower fees. This is because they use algorithms to do a lot of the work, reducing the need for human intervention.

  • Hands-Off Approach: Setting up an account with a robo-advisor is usually straightforward. Once you've set things up, the robo-advisor takes care of the day-to-day management of your investments. This includes things like buying and selling assets to keep your portfolio in line with your goals.

  • Accessible: Since robo-advisors operate online, you can check your investments and make decisions from anywhere with an internet connection. It's a more accessible way to get into investing, especially for younger individuals who might be more comfortable with digital platforms.

  • Regular Maintenance: Your financial situation may change over time. Maybe you get a raise, or your goals shift. Robo-advisors often monitor your portfolio regularly and make adjustments as needed to keep things on track.

  • Sofi’s robo-advisor takes the stress out of investing by helping you with the hard part: investment planning, rebalancing, diversification, and recurring deposits.

  • Automated investing with SoFi gets you access to member benefits like career services, rate discounts on other SoFi products, and exclusive events.

  • No advisory fees as of Dec 26, 2023. You can make recurring or one-time investments, starting as low as $1.


  • Just answer a few questions, and they’ll build you a personalized portfolio of low-cost index funds from up to 17 global asset classes.

  • Their software handles trading, rebalances, diversify deposits, and tax-loss harvesting automatically

  • Also offers Socially Responsible portfolios.

  • 0.25% investment management fee


  • Betterment is built to help you achieve what you want with your money.

  • Invest with an automated, expert-built portfolio. Save with a high-interest cash account, earning 4.75% APY* (variable) with up to $2 million† in FDIC insurance

  • For just $4 a month or 0.25% annually, you get all the benefits of automated investing: expert-built portfolios, ongoing guidance, and tax-efficient strategies at just a fraction of the cost of a traditional advisor.