M1 Finance
$100 minimum investment amount
Investment platform with over 1 million users.
*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
M1 Finance does not charge commission, trading, or management fees for self-directed brokerage accounts. However, there are other potential fees such as a platform fee, regulatory fees, account closure fees, and ADR fees. Detailed information about these fees can be found in their fee schedule.
For more detailed and specific information, you can visit https://m1.com/
2. Minimum amount needed to invest
To start investing with M1 Finance, you need a minimum of $100 for a standard brokerage account and $500 for retirement accounts. After reaching these minimums, you can make additional deposits of any amount above $10.
For more detailed and specific information, you can visit https://m1.com/
3. Number of funds and stocks available
M1 Finance offers over 6,000 securities, including stocks, ETFs, and limited cryptocurrencies for investment.
For more detailed and specific information, you can visit https://m1.com/
4. Types of securities available
M1 Finance offers a variety of securities for investment, including:
- Stocks
- ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds)
- Cryptocurrencies
- Fractional Shares
For more detailed and specific information, you can visit https://m1.com/
5. Does the platform offer individual stocks?
Yes
For more detailed and specific information, you can visit https://m1.com/
6. Types of investment accounts available
M1 Finance offers a variety of investment account types to cater to different investment needs and goals, including:
- Individual Brokerage Account: A standard account for individual investors to trade stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies.
- Joint Brokerage Account: An account shared by two people, such as spouses or partners.
- Traditional IRA: A retirement account that offers tax-deferred growth on investments.
- Roth IRA: A retirement account where contributions are made with after-tax dollars, allowing for tax-free withdrawals in retirement.
- SEP IRA: A retirement account designed for self-employed individuals and small business owners, offering tax-deferred growth.
- Trust Account: An account for managing assets held in a trust.
- Custodial Account: Accounts managed by an adult for the benefit of a minor.
- High-Yield Cash Account: An account that offers a high-interest rate on uninvested cash.
- Crypto Accounts: Accounts specifically for investing in cryptocurrencies.
For more detailed and specific information, you can visit https://m1.com/
7. Does the platform offer automatic portfolio rebalancing?
M1 Finance offers automatic portfolio rebalancing through its Dynamic Rebalancing feature. This system ensures that any new cash added to your account is allocated in a way that maintains your target investment percentages. The platform automatically directs money from deposits to the underweight portions of your portfolio to keep it balanced according to your specified targets.
For more detailed and specific information, you can visit https://m1.com/
8. Does the platform offer a mobile app?
Yes
For more detailed and specific information, you can visit https://m1.com/
9. Is the platform insured by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC)?
Yes
For more detailed and specific information, you can visit https://m1.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.
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