
To determine if your brokerage account is fully managed for success, let's start with the basics. A fully managed brokerage account typically has a dedicated investment manager who makes buy and sell decisions on your behalf.
This investment manager will usually have a set investment strategy in place, which may include a mix of stocks, bonds, and other assets. They may also set specific investment goals, such as long-term growth or income generation.
A fully managed brokerage account often comes with additional features, such as regular portfolio rebalancing and tax-loss harvesting. These features can help minimize taxes and fees, and ensure your portfolio remains aligned with your investment goals.
Some brokerage accounts may also offer a robo-advisor, which uses computer algorithms to make investment decisions based on your risk tolerance and investment goals.
On a similar theme: Managed Team
What is a Fully Managed Brokerage Account?
A fully managed brokerage account is essentially a hands-off investment approach where your investment advisor has complete control over your money. This means they'll make all the decisions on which securities to buy and sell, or whether to hold your money in cash.
Your advisor will typically create a customized investment portfolio based on your specific goals and risk tolerance, and then manage it actively to try and achieve the best possible returns.
A managed account can be either active or passive, with active accounts allowing the advisor to make frequent trades, and passive accounts tracking the market over time. At Sarwa, we focus on passive investing, which we believe is a more effective approach.
With a fully managed account, you won't need to worry about making investment decisions or monitoring your portfolio, freeing up your time to focus on other things.
On a similar theme: Self Managed Super Fund Accountants
Benefits of a Fully Managed Brokerage Account
A fully managed brokerage account can be a game-changer for your investments, freeing you from day-to-day decision making and allowing you to focus on other things.
With a managed account, you get professional supervision, as your investment advisor will research and make decisions on your behalf, removing the emotional aspect of investing.

You'll also enjoy a disciplined investment approach, as your advisor will create a customized plan tailored to your goals and risk tolerance.
One of the biggest benefits of a managed account is the time saved, as your advisor will handle all the research and decision-making, giving you more time to focus on other aspects of your life.
Here are some key benefits of a managed brokerage account:
- Professional Expertise – Enjoy full-time attention from a trader with a proven history of success.
- Risk-Return Balance – Systematically balance risks relative to returns, creating a portfolio that consistently delivers high profits.
- Direct Access to Your Advisor – Have your financial questions answered by an expert.
- Comprehensive Expertise – Draw upon knowledge across all investment categories.
- Tailored Strategy – Your portfolio and strategy will align perfectly with your financial goals.
- Performance-Based Fees – You only pay when your portfolio delivers profits.
- Trusted Broker – Partner with a regulated broker you can trust.
- Real-Time Monitoring – Access real-time updates on your portfolio’s open positions.
In addition to these benefits, some managed brokerage accounts offer low and competitive fees, such as Vanguard Personal Advisor Services, which charges 0.35% of your portfolio balance in advisory fees.
Expand your knowledge: Fidelity Brokerage Account Fees

Other accounts, like Fidelity Personalized Planning & Advice, offer comprehensive financial planning tools and unlimited coaching from financial advisors, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your investment decisions.
Ultimately, a fully managed brokerage account can help you achieve your financial goals, provide peace of mind, and give you more time to focus on the things that matter most to you.
Popular Fully Managed Brokerage Accounts
Robinhood offers a fully managed brokerage account with no fees for trading stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrencies.
Fidelity Investments provides a range of fully managed brokerage accounts, including the Fidelity Zero Large Cap Index Fund, which has no management fees.
TD Ameritrade offers a fully managed brokerage account with access to over 300 exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and no trading fees.
Vanguard offers a range of low-cost index funds and ETFs, including the Vanguard 500 Index Fund, which has an expense ratio of just 0.04%.
E\*TRADE offers a fully managed brokerage account with no fees for trading stocks, ETFs, and options.
TD Ameritrade's thinkorswim platform is a fully managed brokerage account that offers advanced trading tools and technical analysis.
For more insights, see: Best Etfs for Brokerage Account
Choosing a Fully Managed Brokerage Account

To choose a fully managed brokerage account, you should define your goals, such as growth, income, or a balanced approach. Clarify your investment objectives and consider what you want to achieve with your investments.
Assess your risk tolerance to determine your comfort level with risk. This will help you align with suitable investment strategies and avoid taking on more risk than you're comfortable with.
Research providers by comparing managed account providers based on reputation, performance history, and fees. Look for providers with a strong track record and reasonable fees.
Consider Vanguard Personal Advisor Services, which offers comprehensive portfolio management and low-cost investment options. This service combines automated investments with unlimited access to live financial professionals, making it a great option for those nearing retirement.
Here are some key features to look for in a fully managed brokerage account:
- Low and costly advisory fees
- Comprehensive investment advice with goal-based planning
- Easy and unlimited access to a fiduciary advisor
- Solid and inexpensive investments
- Automated portfolio rebalancing and tax-loss harvesting strategies
Considerations and Drawbacks
When opening a fully managed brokerage account, you may find that you have less control over your investments. This is because a managed account means you give up control of your money, and your advisor has to make the investment decisions for you.

You'll also need to consider the costs associated with hiring an investment advisor. As one expert notes, "expertise doesn't come for free", so be prepared to pay some fees for their services.
One of the main drawbacks of a managed account is the potential for higher fees. This can eat into your investment returns, so it's essential to factor these costs into your decision-making process.
Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
Disadvantages Explained
Managed accounts can be a convenient way to invest, but they're not without their downsides. You give up control of your money, which means you can't change the direction of your investments. Your advisor will have to make those decisions for you.
Higher fees are another potential drawback. An investment advisor won't work for free, so you can expect to pay some costs. The good news is that these costs are often relatively low.
Limited control over investment decisions is a significant disadvantage. You'll have to rely on your account manager's expertise, which can be a bit unsettling if you're used to making your own decisions.
Evaluation

A managed investment account can be an excellent idea if you seek professional portfolio oversight and diversification. This can be especially beneficial for those who are new to investing or lack the time to research and manage their investments.
However, it's essential to consider the costs associated with a managed investment account. The fees for professional management can eat into your returns, potentially offsetting the benefits of diversification.
Ultimately, a managed investment account can be a good idea, but it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a brokerage account and a managed account?
A brokerage account is self-directed, where you make investment decisions, whereas a managed account offers expert management, allowing a professional to make investment choices on your behalf. This key difference can significantly impact your investment outcomes and overall financial strategy.
Sources
- https://www.sarwa.co/blog/managed-account-or-self-directed-brokerage-account-which-is-for-you-2
- https://www.ramseysolutions.com/retirement/what-is-a-brokerage-account
- https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-managed-investment-accounts
- https://managed-accounts-ir.com/managed-accounts/
- https://www.ublocal.com/wealth-management/investment-management/
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