Robo-Advisors: How Automated Investing Works and Costs
Robo-advisors build and manage a diversified portfolio for you, automatically and at a low cost. Find out if automated investing is the right fit.
Understand How Robo-Advisors Work
Our complete robo-advisor guide explains how portfolios are built, rebalanced and managed, and how robo-advisor fees compare with traditional advice. It also covers regulation, account types and tax features such as automated tax-loss harvesting.
Compare the Best Robo-Advisors Today
Our current robo-advisor comparison lists the top platforms side by side, including management fees, account minimums, portfolio options and extra services. Learn quickly when a robo-advisor beats a financial advisor and when it does not.
Six Investors, Six Automated Plans
Beginners, busy parents and retirement savers all had different reasons. Read their stories. Each has a dedicated page showing their situation, their problems and why they chose a robo-advisor.
Investing involves risk. Browse all robo-advisor articles below.
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Robo-Advisor for Newcomers: How Howard Started Investing With an ITIN
By Jozsef Huszar • Updated: September 16, 2026 A robo-advisor for newcomers doesn’t require US credit history, just the right ID. Here’s how Howard started investing with an ITIN while he learned the American financial system. Howard is unfamiliar with the American investment landscape, and he’s navigating an entirely new financial system on top of…
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Robo-Advisor for Retirement and College Savings: How Yvonne Manages Both on Autopilot
By Jozsef Huszar • Updated: September 16, 2026 A robo-advisor for retirement and college savings can keep both goals on track from a single dashboard. Here’s how Yvonne set up an IRA and a 529 plan without extra work. Yvonne is stretched thin between work and family life, and actively managing investments for both retirement…
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Robo-Advisor for Irregular Income: Invest Whenever Cash Flow Allows
By Jozsef Huszar • Updated: September 16, 2026 Looking for a robo-advisor for irregular income? Here’s how to invest with irregular income whenever cash flow allows, with no fixed schedule required. Patrick has unpredictable income and no time to manage a portfolio himself. He wants a low-maintenance robo-advisor he can fund whenever cash flow allows,…