Fidelity Go VS Betterment

Introducing two heavyweights in the world of robo-advisors: Fidelity Go and Betterment. These financial powerhouses have been revolutionizing the way people invest, providing a simplified and automated approach to wealth management. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into their histories and highlight the key differences between these industry leaders.

First, let's take a trip down memory lane to explore the origins of Fidelity Go. Back in 1946, a visionary named Edward C. Johnson II founded Fidelity Investments with a mission to offer individuals access to the investment world. Over the years, Fidelity grew into one of the largest mutual fund companies globally, managing trillions of dollars in assets. Fast forward to 2016, and Fidelity launched Fidelity Go as their entry into the robo-advisor market.

On the other side of the ring, we have Betterment. Born out of a desire to democratize investing, Betterment was established in 2008 by Jon Stein. Recognizing the need for accessible and affordable investment options, Stein sought to create a platform that would empower individuals to take control of their financial futures. Today, Betterment is regarded as one of the pioneers in robo-advisory services, boasting an impressive user base and an array of innovative features.

Now that we've explored their historical foundations, let's dive into what sets Fidelity Go and Betterment apart.

1. Account Minimums:

Fidelity Go requires a minimum investment of $10,000 to get started, while Betterment has no minimum deposit requirement. This makes Betterment more accessible for those who are just beginning their investment journey or have limited funds available.

2. Fees:

When it comes to fees, both platforms charge a management fee based on a percentage of your invested assets. Fidelity Go levies a flat fee of 0.35%, whereas Betterment offers tiered pricing starting at 0.25% for their Digital plan and 0.40% for their Premium plan, which includes additional features like access to certified financial planners.

3. Investment Options:

Fidelity Go primarily utilizes Fidelity Flex Funds, which are a mix of actively managed funds and index funds. These funds are managed by Fidelity's investment team. In contrast, Betterment employs a strategy known as Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT), which involves creating diversified portfolios using low-cost ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) from various asset classes.

4. Human Touch:

While both platforms offer algorithm-driven investment strategies, Betterment takes it a step further with their Premium plan. This plan provides users with unlimited access to certified financial planners who can offer personalized advice and guidance on specific financial goals or concerns.

5. Tools and Features:

Betterment offers a range of additional tools such as tax-loss harvesting and automatic rebalancing, which can help optimize investments and potentially reduce tax liabilities. Fidelity Go, on the other hand, focuses more on simplicity and ease of use, with fewer bells and whistles.

Ultimately, the choice between Fidelity Go and Betterment depends on an individual's specific needs, preferences, and investment goals. Whether you prefer the trusted name of Fidelity or the innovative features of Betterment, these platforms provide an efficient way to enter the world of investing with confidence.