Reconsidering Betterment Investing: Unveiling Its #1 Challenge

by | Jun 23, 2023 | Fidelity IRA | 39 comments




Lets discuss Betterment and their 2.69% savings account, and whether or not this could be worth it – enjoy! Add me on Instagram: GPStephan

Second Channel:

The YouTube Creator Academy:
Learn EXACTLY how to get your first 1000 subscribers on YouTube, rank videos on the front page of searches, grow your following, and turn that into another income source: $100 OFF WITH CODE 100OFF

Get 2 Free Stocks on WeBull when you deposit $100 (Valued up to $1000):

My ENTIRE Camera and Recording Equipment:

Betterment is what’s called a “Robo Advisor,” which asks you questions based on your savings, earnings, and investing goals…and then they’ll build you a portfolio tailored to your situation. This is perfect for beginners, who are often overwhelmed by all the investment options out there, and just want a simple, easy approach to making their money make more money.

In terms of WHAT Betterment invests in, it’s pretty much a broad selection of index funds through Vanguard, along with a few other ETFs.

When it comes to this, Betterment charges you a 0.25% Management Fee on your money. And I’m personally NOT a fan of 0.25% management fees. This fee is over 6x HIGHER than what Vanguard charges for their VTI fund.

Now, I will admit…Betterment has ONE advantage over Vanguard, because they can automatically do what’s called Tax Loss Harvesting. In a PERFECT scenario, the tax benefits from tax loss harvesting COULD pay for their 0.25% management fee and make it worth it.

But in terms of their savings account:
There are zero fees and zero minimum balances. Money in this account is also FDIC insured up to $1 million dollars, which they’re able to do by spreading your money throughout several partner banks.

See also  Federal Reserve Increases Interest Rates to 5.5% in Effort to Combat Inflation and Minimize Recession Threats

However, in order to unlock the 2.69% interest rate, you’ll need to sign up to be on their new checking account waitlist. But for that 2.69% interest, their fine print states this is only a promotional offer until December 31, 2019. That means, pretty much by the time I post this video, you can only get about 5 months worth of this interest rate…before there’s a chance they’ll discontinue it and lower their payout.

Now of course, they make it clear this interest rate is not guaranteed and may change at any time…and in their defense, Wealthfront can chose to lower it’s 2.57% at any time, as could any other bank…so if you DO decide to go to with Betterment and their 2.69% account, just understand that it might not be permanent, and to manage your expectations.

I see this as a decent move from Betterment to increase attention to their platform, and if people move their money over to a savings accounts, they’re THAT much more likely to then invest with Betterment. And then from that, Betterment is likely to receive a .25% management fee to help offset their cost.

Really, at the end of the day, this is just about customer acquisition – and in order to gain a stronger audience, they MUST go above and beyond in order to stand out, which they’ve done with their 2.69% savings account. But just remember, in my own opinion, paying a .25% management fee is way too high compared to MANY of the other alternatives out there…and the 2.69% interest rate IS absolutely incredible, but it’s not guaranteed to last…and that small difference is something VERY important that everyone should understand, just to be able to manage your expectations of what to expect.

See also  Maximize Your 401(k) Contributions for Optimal Returns

For business or one-on-one real estate investing/real estate agent consulting inquiries, you can reach me at GrahamStephanBusiness@gmail.com…(read more)


LEARN MORE ABOUT: IRA Accounts

CONVERT IRA TO GOLD: Gold IRA Account

CONVERT IRA TO SILVER: Silver IRA Account

REVEALED: Best Gold Backed IRA


The #1 Problem with Betterment Investing: The Lack of Personalization

Betterment, the popular robo-advisor platform, has gained considerable attention and popularity among investors in recent years. Offering low-cost, automated investment solutions, Betterment has positioned itself as a user-friendly option for individuals seeking to grow their wealth without the stress of managing their investments actively. However, there is one prevailing issue with Betterment investing: the lack of personalization.

One of the primary advantages of utilizing a robo-advisor like Betterment is the convenience it provides. The platform uses algorithms and data-driven strategies to automate investment decisions, taking into consideration factors such as risk tolerance, time horizon, and financial goals. These predetermined investment models work well for many users, especially those who are new to investing or prefer a hands-off approach.

However, this one-size-fits-all approach presents limitations when it comes to personalization. Investing is a highly individualized activity, and each person’s financial circumstances, goals, and risk tolerance differ significantly. What works for one investor may not be suitable for another. Unfortunately, Betterment’s algorithms may not account for these unique factors, leading to a less-than-optimal investment strategy.

The lack of personalization can become particularly evident when users have specific investment preferences or ethical considerations. Betterment primarily offers ETFs (exchange-traded funds) as investment options, which may not align with investors’ values or interests. For instance, if an investor prioritizes socially responsible investing or has a preference for certain industries or companies, Betterment’s limited investment choices may not fully satisfy their preferences.

See also  Guelph Student Investment Council Receives Support from Fidelity Investments Canada

Another drawback tied to the lack of personalization is the absence of a human touch. While Betterment provides access to a team of certified financial planners (CFPs) for an additional fee, the automated nature of the platform means that investors do not have a dedicated financial advisor to provide personalized advice and guidance. This can be a significant drawback, especially for novice investors who may benefit from expert insights and tailored recommendations to navigate the complexities of the market.

Although Betterment has introduced features such as goal-based investing and tax-loss harvesting to enhance the user experience, these add-ons do not entirely address the core issue of personalization. While these features offer some degree of customization, they are still based on preset models and may not account for unique circumstances or goals.

To address this problem, Betterment could consider implementing more robust tools and options for customization. Providing a wider range of investment choices, including mutual funds or individual stock selection, would allow users to align their portfolios with their personal values and investment preferences. Additionally, enhancing the level of human interaction, either through more accessible access to certified financial planners or the integration of live customer support, would provide users with much-needed personalized guidance tailor-made to their unique financial situations.

In conclusion, while Betterment offers an attractive and accessible investing solution for many individuals, the platform’s lack of personalization remains its primary drawback. Being an individual-driven endeavor, investing requires tailored strategies that consider one’s goals, risk tolerance, and personal values. Acknowledging and addressing this limitation would allow Betterment to offer a more comprehensive and satisfactory investing experience, appealing to a wider range of investors with distinct needs and preferences.

Gold IRA Advantages for Baby Boomers Nearing Retirement
You May Also Like

Sign up for an IRA with ITrust today using this link: Eric Balchunus, Senior ETF Analyst at...

39 Comments

  1. Native2458

    Doesn't wealth front do the same thing

  2. Christina B

    And once again Graham pulls through with good info ❤

  3. The Average Wasian

    Idk if this video is irrelevant now since it’s old but fees like that are extremely common across brokerage firms and Betterment’s fees are kinda fair considering that there are no account minimums and it makes the portfolio for you

  4. minimuffinz66

    Is there a more affordable way to do a Roth option though? (Excluding employer sponsored plans)

  5. Damian Grouse

    2.69% interest v 8.5% inflation…marvelous.

  6. Andrea Carolina

    I'm 19 & still learning how the ROTH IRA and investing works. I started using Fidelity but then I came across a video about the Betterment ROTH IRA and started thinking that I had made a mistake by using Fidelity. THEN I tried to see if Graham made a video about Betterment and NOW I feel better about my Fidelity ROTH IRA. Thanks again, Graham!!!

  7. Rosette Jones

    Betterment is a roboadvisor with rebalancing to maximize profits

  8. Exploring Theology Channel

    I have come to same conclusion. Why am I going to pay money now, for something that just might possibly benefit me later. I would also need to invest the tax savings to get the benefit. This is way too much work. No thanks. Wealth is not built by tax harvesting. It is built by long term holds on investments.

  9. The Garden Of Eden Productions

    Good day Graham. My question is, when are you going to speak on which of these investment institutions or apps will best suit someone 50 plus years?

  10. Sam Valladares

    Thanks for EXPOSING Betterment lol.

  11. coldkittn

    Watching this video in 2021. I'm definitely in the "can't be bothered club" but at least I'm saving in a Roth IRA.

  12. Javier

    My problem with vanguard is they never answer the phone. I think they’re too small to take care of their large customer base

  13. snowbank88

    I don't have a job buy I can still invest money though but they won't accept me

  14. Eduardo Visbal

    Is it possible to open a tax advantage college fund within any of these Robo investing apps? I believe it is called a 501 3(b) plan?

  15. Kirk Cockrell

    So, you are worried about $25 on $10,000 fee, per year?? You have no business investing.

  16. MangaEater68

    Please review Sofi

  17. Baryonyx0

    What about making a Roth IRA with betterment

  18. betazoid

    Is this still valid in 2021?

  19. John Charles

    good point on the fee bro

  20. No1KCfan6

    smart guy!

  21. Heir

    I tjink its a bit missleading when he says "youre paying more foe the exact same thing". Its true that they invest into Vanguard but they invest in other things as well to diversify your money.

  22. Damon Dominique

    i heard tinder and finally understood stocks

  23. Yusuf Aslan

    I wish I saw this one year ago. That rate dropped from %2.69 to %0.40. So it was all BS to lure people in

  24. Jessica Eckman

    So…. I feel pretty burned by Betterment right now. Not only is the APY now in the 0.40% range, but I have been waiting a full nine business days for a simple transfer from Savings to Checking, within the Betterment app. I wanted to check out the roboadviser, so i dropped a hundred bucks in. The app wouldn't allow a transfer from savings into an investment account, so i transferred the hundred to checking. That was on Christmas Eve and I am writing this on January 7th. The app isn't showing the pending amount and I just think the whole thing is a joke. I called customer service a few days ago and was informed that new deposits can be held for up to six business days. Again, it's been nine! As soon as this clears, I am pulling out and closing this account to deal with a legitimate broker.

  25. Emily Thompson

    i know fully well cause i use valuesstock to invest. I get 20% of my investment weekly. cool passive legit income. i have made $30000 so far with valuestock@gmail,com

  26. mathew c

    Not everyone has the knowledge of which funds or how to even allocate funds, and this is the main reason they delay investing for years.

  27. Nicole Smith

    I guess my follow up question is: Betterment doesn’t just invest in VTI. It invests in a myriad of ETFs, both stocks and bonds. Would that diversification and tax loss harvesting be with the fee?

  28. Valerie Sanchez

    I really love using webull.
    Not too sure about this betterment

  29. heyvern

    Or try Betterment is better meant for you! LOL

  30. Lee H

    Just signed up for it today. Hopefully it works for younger investors like me!

  31. Paul Phillips

    I’ve been getting weekly payment from betterment_weekly_payment on !Nstagram

  32. Paul Phillips

    I must confess that my whole life as changed for better and best since I start investing with betterment_weekly_payment on !NstaGram

U.S. National Debt

The current U.S. national debt:
$34,552,930,923,742

Source

ben stein recessions & depressions

Retirement Age Calculator

  Original Size