How self-directed investing for beginners works 

Investing can often seem daunting, available only to those with larger wallets and a clear understanding of how to navigate complex, ever-changing financial markets.  

The marked increase of self-directed investing platforms since the 2010s indicates more and more people are managing their own portfolios. Beginner-friendly options help novice investors begin building wealth. Jargon-free language, low entry costs, guardrails and professional monitoring make investing more accessible and comfortable. 

Let’s explore what these tools offer and how to select the right one for you.  

Who might benefit from a beginner-friendly investing platform? 

This option may suit beginning investors who are curious to learn independently at lower risk tolerance. People who enjoy digital financial tools and are interested in building their portfolios may be more comfortable with this kind of tool. 

Simplified investing tools build confidence and encourage long-term financial planning, leading to steady, sustainable growth over time. 

The need for guardrails in investing 

For many, the idea of investing is intimidating. The fear of making mistakes and losing money can keep potential investors from taking the first step. This is where guardrails come into play.  

Guardrails in investing, like preset options for building a personalized portfolio and professional portfolio monitoring, are designed to simplify the process, reduce risks and make investing approachable for beginners.  

They ensure that even those with limited financial knowledge can start building wealth confidently. 

Features of beginner-friendly investing tools 

Beginner-friendly investing tools are equipped with features that cater to novice investors. These tools offer: 

• Low initial entry costs so a variety of income levels can get started. 

• User-friendly interfaces that make navigation easy and intuitive. 

• Easy-to-build portfolios to allow investing preferences without needing expert knowledge of each fund or industry. 

• Automated portfolio management and risk assessment help maintain a balanced and optimized investment strategy without requiring constant attention. 

• Educational resources provide valuable insights and guidance, helping users learn as they invest. 

Choosing the right tool 

When selecting an investing platform, it’s important to consider factors such as fees, features, and customer support. One standout option is Marstone,* offered to Elevations members.  

Here are some highlights of how this platform helps beginners: 

• Low required initial investment: Start with as little as $500. 

• Clear, jargon-free language: Understand your investments without being a financial expert. 

• Automated portfolio creation tools: Get a personalized, balanced portfolio without having to select individual stocks. 

• Continuous portfolio monitoring by experts: Marstone’s team manages your portfolio daily to ensure investments keep matching your preferences. 

• Comprehensive tracking and reporting: Monitor your dashboard and watch your investments grow. Link other accounts to get a full picture of your financial progress. 

• Strong security measures: Multi-factor authentication and information security policies and procedures safeguard user accounts. 

• Reliable customer support: Marstone offers excellent customer support to assist you whenever you need help. 

Start building wealth and investing knowledge 

Investing with guardrails is transforming the way people approach wealth-building. By simplifying the process and providing essential support, beginner-friendly investing tools are making investing accessible to everyone.  

You can take the first step on your wealth-building journey with Marstone, offered to Elevations members. 

Disclosures

*Marstone is a third party independent of Elevations Credit Union. This product is offered by Marstone LLC, and Elevations pays a solicitation fee. Learn more about the relationship between Marstone and Elevations. 

Products offered through Marstone are not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured, are not guarantees or obligations of the credit union, and may involve investment risk including possible loss of principal. 

SOLICITOR’S DISCLOSURE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO RULE 206(4)-1 OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISERS ACT OF 1940 

Marstone, LLC (“Adviser”) has entered into a solicitor’s agreement (the “Agreement”) with Elevations Credit Union (“Solicitor”) whereby Adviser will pay cash compensation to Solicitor for introducing prospective investors who engage Adviser to provide investment services managed, directly or indirectly, by Adviser or its affiliates. Solicitor is not an investment advisory client of Adviser nor an investor in any of Adviser’s investment products. Solicitor has a material conflict of interest in introducing prospective investors to Adviser because the compensation paid by Adviser to Solicitor under the Agreement incentivizes Solicitor to recommend that prospective investors invest with Adviser. 

Solicitation Fees. Adviser and Solicitor have entered this Agreement which allows Adviser to offer investment advisory and financial planning services to Solicitor clients. In return, Adviser pays the Solicitor a referral fee (the “Referral Fee”). The Referral Fee will be 25% of the fee owed to the Adviser under its client agreement once the assets under management on the Adviser’s Platform received from Solicitor reaches $5,000,000. The fee will continue to be paid to the Solicitor as long as the Solicitor client is a client of the Adviser. This fee will be owed regardless of charge backs or claims of refund unrelated to Solicitor error or willful negligence. 

No cost will be added to the advisory fees that the client will pay for Adviser’s services as a result of the fees paid to the Solicitor, and the client fee is the same as those charged to other clients of Adviser for similar services as further described in the Adviser’s Form ADV Part 2A brochure. The parties acknowledge that Adviser and Solicitor are separate and distinct companies.