Acorns
$5 minimum investment amount
Investing platform that offers a round-up feature.
*The value of your investment can go down as well as up, and you can get back less than you originally invested.
Platform Details
All investment platforms are made differently. It's important to understand what features are on offer and the features that best align with your needs.
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1. Cost & Fees
Using Acorns involves a tiered subscription model with different features and costs. Here are the current pricing tiers for Acorns:
Acorns Personal:
- Cost: $3 per month
- Features: Includes access to an investment account (Acorns Invest), a retirement account (Acorns Later), and a checking account (Acorns Checking).
Acorns Personal Plus:
- Cost: $6 per month
- Features: Includes all the features of Acorns Personal, plus premium educational content, an emergency fund with 5.00% APY, and a 25% match on bonus investments up to $200 through Acorns Earn.
Acorns Premium:
- Cost: $12 per month
- Features: Includes all the features of Acorns Personal Plus, along with access to a custom portfolio, the Benefits Hub, and investment accounts for kids (Acorns Early). Additionally, it provides a 50% match on bonus investments up to $200 through Acorns Earn.
Additional Features Across All Plans:
- Round-Ups®: Automatically invest spare change from purchases made with linked cards.
- Recurring Investments: Set up automatic contributions starting from $5.
- Portfolio Rebalancing: Automatic rebalancing to maintain your target allocation.
- Access to Acorns Earn: Earn bonus investments by shopping with Acorns’ partner brands.
For more detailed and specific information, you can visit https://www.acorns.com/
2. Minimum amount needed to invest
To invest with Acorns, the minimum amount required is $5. This applies to the Acorns Invest account, which allows you to start investing your spare change from everyday purchases through the Round-Ups® feature or set up recurring investments starting at $5.
For more detailed and specific information, you can visit https://www.acorns.com/
3. Number of funds and stocks available
Acorns invests your money in diversified portfolios of exchange-traded funds (ETFs). These portfolios are designed to provide broad market exposure and are constructed using a variety of funds, including five core portfolios, ranging from conservative to aggressive, and four ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) portfolios.
For more detailed and specific information, you can visit https://www.acorns.com/
4. Types of securities available
Acorns provides a variety of securities through its investment portfolios, which are composed primarily of exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
For more detailed and specific information, you can visit https://www.acorns.com/
5. Does the platform offer individual stocks?
No
For more detailed and specific information, you can visit https://www.acorns.com/
6. Types of investment accounts available
Acorns offers several types of investment accounts to cater to different financial goals and needs. Here are the main types of investment accounts available on Acorns:
Acorns Invest (Taxable Investment Account)
- Description: This is a general brokerage account where your money is invested in a diversified portfolio of ETFs based on your selected risk profile.
- Features: Automated investing through Round-Ups® (investing spare change from purchases), recurring investments, and automatic rebalancing.
Acorns Later (Retirement Accounts)
- Traditional IRA: Contributions may be tax-deductible, and investments grow tax-deferred until withdrawal.
- Roth IRA: Contributions are made with after-tax dollars, and qualified withdrawals are tax-free.
- SEP IRA: Designed for self-employed individuals or small business owners, allowing for higher contribution limits.
Acorns Early (Investment Accounts for Kids)
- Description: A custodial account (UTMA/UGMA) that allows parents or guardians to invest for their children's future.
- Features: Automatic investing and rebalancing, similar to other Acorns accounts, with the funds being accessible to the child when they reach adulthood.
Acorns Earn
- Description: A feature that allows you to earn bonus investments by shopping with Acorns' partner brands.
- Features: Earn while you shop at participating retailers, with the cashback being automatically invested into your Acorns account.
For more detailed and specific information, you can visit https://www.acorns.com/
7. Does the platform offer automatic portfolio rebalancing?
Acorns offers automatic portfolio rebalancing as part of its investment management services. This feature is designed to ensure that your investment portfolio remains aligned with your target allocation, which is based on your risk tolerance and financial goals.
For more detailed and specific information, you can visit https://www.acorns.com/
8. Does the platform offer a mobile app?
Yes
For more detailed and specific information, you can visit https://www.acorns.com/
9. Is the platform insured by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC)?
Yes
For more detailed and specific information, you can visit https://www.acorns.com/
10. How to pick an investment platform
Key factors to consider when choosing an investment platform:
- Fees and commissions
- Available investment options
- User interface and ease of use
- Customer support options
- Security measures in place
- Research and analysis tools available
- The platforms reputation and track record
- A platform that aligns with your investment goals
- A platform that aligns with your risk tolerance
*The value of your investments can fall as well as rise and past performance is not a guide to future performance.
11. How to pick an investment fund
Key factors to consider when choosing an investment fund:
Investment Objectives: Clearly define your investment goals and time horizon. Different funds cater to various objectives, such as growth, income, or a balanced approach.
Risk Tolerance: Assess your risk tolerance. Some funds are more conservative, while others are more aggressive. Choose a fund that aligns with your comfort level for risk.
Diversification: Look for funds that provide a diversified portfolio. Diversification helps spread risk across different asset classes, reducing the impact of poor performance in any single investment.
Fund Type: Understand the type of fund you're considering. Common types include mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), index funds, and actively managed funds. Each has its own characteristics and management styles.
Performance History: Review the fund's historical performance. While past performance doesn't guarantee future results, it can give you insights into how the fund has performed in various market conditions.
Expense Ratio: Consider the fund's expense ratio, which represents the annual fees and operating expenses as a percentage of the fund's assets. Lower expense ratios generally translate to lower costs for investors.
Manager's Track Record: For actively managed funds, assess the track record and experience of the fund manager. Consistent and experienced management can be an indicator of the fund's potential.
Benchmark Comparison: Compare the fund's performance against a relevant benchmark index. This helps you evaluate whether the fund is outperforming or underperforming its peers.
Distribution History: For income-focused funds, check the fund's distribution history. Understand how often and how much income the fund has distributed in the past.
Size of the Fund: Consider the size of the fund. While a large fund may offer stability, it could also face challenges in deploying capital efficiently. Conversely, a small fund might be more nimble but could face liquidity issues.
Redemption Fees and Liquidity: Be aware of any redemption fees or liquidity constraints. Some funds may charge fees for early withdrawals, and illiquid funds may have limitations on how quickly you can access your money.
Tax Efficiency: Assess the fund's tax efficiency, especially if you're investing in a taxable account. Funds with low turnover and tax-efficient strategies can help minimize tax implications.
Distribution Method: Determine whether the fund distributes income and capital gains periodically or reinvests them. Your preference might depend on your financial goals and tax situation.
Reviews and Ratings: Read reviews and ratings from reputable sources, such as Morningstar or Lipper. These sources provide independent assessments of funds based on various criteria.
Exit Strategy: Understand the fund's exit strategy. If your investment goals change, ensure that the fund allows for a smooth exit without excessive penalties.
*The value of your investments can fall as well as rise and past performance is not a guide to future performance.
12. Understanding Fees
Understanding investing fees is essential for investors to make informed decisions and maximize their investment returns.
Here are some common investing fees you should be aware of:
Management Fees: These fees are charged by investment managers or advisors for managing your investment portfolio. Management fees are typically charged annually as a percentage of the assets under management (AUM). They cover the cost of research, analysis, and portfolio management services provided by the investment professional.
Expense Ratios: Expense ratios represent the annual operating expenses of mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and other investment funds as a percentage of the fund's average net assets. These expenses include management fees, administrative costs, and other operational expenses. Expense ratios are deducted from the fund's returns and directly impact investors' net returns.
Front-End Loads: Front-end loads are sales charges or commissions paid when purchasing mutual fund shares. Front-end loads are deducted from the initial investment amount before the remaining funds are invested in the fund. These fees are typically expressed as a percentage of the investment amount and are paid to the investment advisor or broker who sold the fund.
Back-End Loads (Deferred Sales Charges): Back-end loads are sales charges or commissions paid when redeeming or selling mutual fund shares within a specified period after purchase, typically within a few years. Unlike front-end loads, back-end loads are not deducted at the time of purchase but are applied when investors sell their fund shares. These fees often decline over time and eventually reach zero after the specified holding period.
Transaction Fees: Transaction fees are charged by brokerage firms or trading platforms for buying or selling securities, such as stocks, bonds, options, or mutual funds. These fees can vary depending on the type of transaction, the size of the trade, and the brokerage firm's fee structure. Transaction fees can significantly impact the overall cost of trading and should be considered when executing investment transactions.
Advisor Fees: Advisor fees are charges levied by financial advisors or investment professionals for providing investment advice and financial planning services. Advisor fees can be charged as a flat fee, hourly rate, or as a percentage of assets under management (AUM). These fees compensate advisors for their expertise and guidance in managing clients' investment portfolios and financial affairs.
Account Maintenance Fees: Some brokerage firms or investment platforms may charge account maintenance fees for managing or maintaining investment accounts. These fees are typically assessed on an annual or quarterly basis and cover administrative expenses associated with account management, record-keeping, and customer service.
*Understanding and minimizing investing fees is crucial for maximizing investment returns over the long term. Investors should carefully review fee disclosures, compare fee structures across different investment options, and consider the impact of fees on their investment performance and overall financial goals.