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M1 Finance Pie is an innovative investment platform that offers a unique approach to investing, allowing users to create a diversified portfolio with just a few clicks. With a low minimum investment requirement, it's an attractive option for those new to investing.
One of the standout features of M1 Finance Pie is its ability to automatically rebalance your portfolio, ensuring that your investments stay aligned with your goals and risk tolerance. This feature is particularly useful for those who want to invest but don't have the time or expertise to constantly monitor their portfolio.
M1 Finance Pie also offers a wide range of investment options, including individual stocks, ETFs, and other investment products. This allows users to create a customized portfolio that meets their specific financial goals and risk tolerance.
The platform's user-friendly interface and mobile app make it easy to manage your investments on the go, giving you the flexibility to make changes to your portfolio as needed.
How It Works
M1 Finance allows you to invest in Stocks, ETFs, Index Funds, and Bonds via their "pie" system. To purchase a new stock, you must add it to your pie.
You have two options for creating a pie: Model Pies or Customized Pies. Model Pies offer done-for-you portfolios that align with various financial goals and risk tolerances, such as retirement or dividend income. Customized Pies give intermediate and advanced investors the ability to create a customized investment portfolio composed of stocks and ETFs that can be automatically rebalanced with a single click.
M1 also offers multiple types of investment accounts, including Individual Investing, Joint Investing, Retirement accounts, Trust accounts, Custodial accounts, and Crypto accounts. The primary benefit of M1 is that it doesn’t charge any asset management fees, unlike many other investment services.
Investing Strategy Explained
M1 Finance offers two types of investment portfolios: Model Portfolios and Custom Pies. Model Portfolios are done-for-you portfolios that align with various financial goals and risk tolerances, such as retirement or dividend income.
You can choose between these two types of portfolios, depending on your level of expertise and investment goals. Model Portfolios are a great option for beginners, as they require minimal effort and provide a diversified investment portfolio.
Custom Pies, on the other hand, give intermediate and advanced investors the ability to create a customized investment portfolio composed of stocks and ETFs. This type of portfolio allows you to have more control over your investments and can be automatically rebalanced with a single click.
Here are the two types of pies you can choose from:
- Model Pies: Done-for-you portfolios that align with various financial goals and risk tolerances.
- Customized Pies: Customizable investment portfolios composed of stocks and ETFs that can be automatically rebalanced.
Keep in mind that some investments within a Pie, such as ETFs, may have their own expense ratios, which are typically around 0.10%. However, M1 doesn't charge any asset management fees, which can save you money compared to other investment services.
Automatic Dividend Reinvestment
Automatic dividend reinvestment is a feature that allows you to reinvest your dividends automatically.
M1 Finance offers this feature, which can be a big time-saver.
There's a minimum balance requirement of $25, which is a relatively low threshold.
If your cash and dividends add up to the minimum, you can set your account to automatically reinvest the money.
Afternoon Trading Window
The afternoon trading window is a valuable feature of M1 Plus. You can use it to make trades after the morning window, giving you more flexibility in your investing schedule.
With M1 Plus, you can access both the morning and afternoon trading windows if you have more than $25,000 in your portfolio. This allows you to take advantage of market opportunities throughout the day.
Link Payment Source
To link your payment source, you'll need to connect your bank account to fund your investments.
Your first deposit into M1 Finance must be at least $100.
You can make subsequent deposits as low as $10, but keep in mind that you can't automate your investing until you have a cash balance of $25.
Investment Options
M1 Finance offers a range of investment options to suit your needs. You can invest in Stocks, ETFs, Index Funds, and Bonds via their "pie" system.
The pie system allows you to choose from pre-built portfolios and portfolio allocations, or you can build your own from the ground up. To build your pie, you simply select what you'd like your portfolio to be comprised of.
You can choose individual stocks, such as Tesla (TSLA), Apple (APPL), PayPal (PYPL), and Hilton Worldwide Holdings (HLT). You can also choose from a variety of ETFs and Index Funds.
One of the unique features of M1 Finance is the ability to purchase fractional shares. This means you don't have to buy whole shares all at once, which decreases the barrier to entry of a stock.
You can also customize your pie to have an unequal distribution of stocks. For example, you can set your pie up so that Tesla (TSLA) takes up 50% of your portfolio, while Apple (APPL) and PayPal (PYPL) each take up 17%, and Hilton Worldwide Holdings (HLT) takes up 16%.
M1 Finance has a low-cost approach to investing, with no annual fees for accounts under $10,000. They also offer free trading, which means you can buy and sell stocks without incurring any additional costs.
Here are some of the investment options available on M1 Finance:
Overall, M1 Finance offers a flexible and low-cost investment platform that allows you to invest in a variety of assets and customize your portfolio to suit your needs.
Fees and Charges
M1 Finance is a fee-free service, which is one of its biggest draws. They don't charge management fees, trading fees, rebalancing fees, or dividend reinvestment fees.
You can transfer funds electronically for free, but there may be fees associated with wire transfers or full account transfers out. Be sure to check their fees disclosure page for more information.
M1 Finance has a $100 minimum account size for taxable accounts and a $500 minimum account size for retirement accounts. There's no minimum to open an account, though.
Here's a quick rundown of M1 Finance's fees:
- Management fee: FREE
- Trading fees: FREE
- Rebalancing fees: FREE
- Dividend reinvestment fee: FREE
Note that there may be fees associated with borrowing money through M1 Finance.
Borrow
M1 Finance allows you to borrow up to 35% of your portfolio value, with rates as low as 2%.
You can use the borrowed funds for any purpose, but it's essential to understand the risks involved. Borrowing to invest amplifies the inherent risk, and unless you have stable financial footing, it may not be the best decision.
With M1 Plus, you can borrow at 2% interest, which is a low rate. However, investing the borrowed money may not yield a higher return than the interest rate.
To qualify for M1 Borrow, you need to have a taxable brokerage account with a $2,000 balance or greater. Retirement account balances do not qualify.
You can borrow up to 50% of your account value, but be aware that this is technically a margin account, which uses your investment holdings as collateral.
The terms are flexible, with no minimum payment and no set repayment schedule. However, there's a risk of a maintenance call, which can lead to your portfolio being frozen or even forced sales.
M1 Finance reserves the right to perform a maintenance call on your account if your portfolio value declines. This can become riskier if you used the borrowed money to purchase additional stocks.
It's crucial to monitor your account health and be aware of the risk of a maintenance call. M1 offers a tool to help you track your account health and avoid potential issues.
Low Minimum Investment
M1 Finance has a relatively low minimum investment requirement, starting at $1,000 for ETF or stock investing.
You can open an account with M1 Finance without a minimum account value, but your first deposit into a brokerage account needs to be at least $100.
For retirement accounts, the initial investment requirement is a bit higher, at $500.
This makes it accessible for small-time investors who want to get started with investing without breaking the bank.
Transfer Bonus
M1 Finance offers a transfer bonus worth up to $2,500 for eligible account transfers, such as rollovers from an IRA retirement account. This can be a great incentive for those looking to consolidate their accounts and save money on fees.
To qualify for the transfer bonus, you'll need to transfer or rollover an account that meets M1 Finance's requirements, which typically includes an IRA retirement account.
Referral Bonuses
Referral bonuses are a great way to earn some extra cash, and M1 Finance makes it easy. You can invite friends or family to join the platform and earn a free bonus worth up to $30.
This bonus is not just a one-time thing, it's a two-for-one deal. Both you and your friend or family member earn the bonus once their accounts are fully approved and verified.
It's a win-win situation, and it's a great way to spread the word about M1 Finance's benefits.
Fees
M1 Finance is a fee-free service, which is one of its biggest draws. There are no commissions or fees for buying or selling stocks.
You can choose between a free and paid account option. The paid account gives you access to more features, but the free option is a great starting point.
M1 Finance used to charge an annual management fee, but that's no longer the case. The founder explained that they make more money from transactions and holding assets than from fees.
Here's a breakdown of M1 Finance's fees:
- Management fee: FREE
- Trading fees: FREE
- Rebalancing fees: FREE
- Dividend reinvestment fee: FREE
However, there are some administrative fees to be aware of. Regular electronic funds transfers (EFT) are free, but wire transfers and full account transfers out come with a fee. You can find a full listing of these fees on their fees disclosure page.
M1 Finance also charges a $100 termination fee, which is fairly standard for self-directed brokerage accounts.
Keep in mind that there is a $100 minimum account size to invest with a taxable account and a $500 minimum account size to invest for retirement (IRA / Roth IRA) accounts.
Investing Features
M1 Finance allows users to invest in a variety of assets.
You can invest in Stocks, ETFs, Index Funds, and Bonds via their "pie" system.
M1 Finance requires users to buy and sell via their pie system.
To purchase a new stock, you must add it to your pie.
Recurring Deposits
M1 Finance makes investing easy and convenient by allowing users to set up recurring deposits into their accounts to automate their investing.
This feature enables users to transfer a fixed amount of money at regular intervals, helping them reach their financial goals without having to think about it.
Having a set amount automatically transferred into your account can help you develop a consistent investing habit and avoid the temptation to spend the money on non-essential items.
By setting up recurring deposits, you can take advantage of dollar-cost averaging, which can help reduce the impact of market volatility on your investments.
Portfolio Rebalancing
M1 Finance makes it easy to keep your investments on track with its automatic portfolio rebalancing feature. This means that your portfolio will be adjusted as needed to maintain the original allocations you set, even if one stock grows faster than others.
You don't have to worry about manually rebalancing your portfolio or selling off underperforming stocks. M1 Finance takes care of it for you, so you can focus on other things.
One of the benefits of automatic portfolio rebalancing is that it helps you stick to your investment plan and avoid making emotional decisions based on market fluctuations.
Here are some key features of M1 Finance's portfolio rebalancing:
- Automatic adjustments to maintain original allocations
- No need to manually rebalance your portfolio
- Helps you stay on track with your investment plan
- Reduces the risk of making emotional decisions based on market fluctuations
By using M1 Finance's portfolio rebalancing feature, you can have peace of mind knowing that your investments are being managed for you, so you can focus on your financial goals.
Mobile and Account Management
You can access M1 Finance's full-featured app on both iOS and Android devices. The app is well-reviewed and available for download on the Play Store and App Store.
Within the app, you can create custom portfolios, set up automatic investments, and re-balance your portfolio.
Mobile App
The M1 Finance mobile app is a standout feature of the platform. It's available for both iOS and Android devices.
You can download the app from the Play Store or the App Store. The app offers a range of features that make it easy to manage your investments on the go.
Within the app, you can create custom portfolios, set up automatic investments, and even re-balance your portfolio. This level of control and flexibility is a major advantage of using the M1 Finance app.
Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, the M1 Finance app is a valuable tool to have at your disposal.
Here are the platforms where you can download the M1 Finance mobile app:
- Play Store
- App Store
Account
Opening an account with M1 Finance is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps.
You can choose from a variety of account types, including Taxable Investment Accounts, Roth IRA, SEP IRA, Traditional IRA, Trust Accounts, and Rollover IRA.
To get started, you'll be guided through a 3-step process: building your portfolio, opening a brokerage account, and adding money to your account.
You can open an account with no initial deposit and start investing once your account reaches $100, or make an initial deposit right away.
M1 Finance offers a range of account types to suit different needs, including retirement accounts and trust accounts.
Here are the different types of accounts you can open with M1 Finance:
- Taxable Investment Accounts
- Roth IRA
- SEP IRA
- Traditional IRA
- Trust Accounts
- Rollover IRA
The M1 High-Yield Cash Account offers a competitive annual percentage yield (APY) of 5.00%, and requires an initial deposit of just $100.
This account is FDIC-insured up to $3.75 million through M1's partner banks, providing a safe and secure place to store your money.
You can move money between your cash account and brokerage account seamlessly, and even set up automatic transfers using the Smart Transfers functionality.
Investing for Specific Goals
With M1 Finance's pie investment strategy, you can create a personalized portfolio tailored to your specific financial goals. You can choose between a Model Portfolio or a Custom Pie, allowing you to take control of your investments.
The Model Portfolio option provides pre-built portfolios based on different investment strategies, giving you a solid starting point for your financial goals. These model portfolios are designed to be low-maintenance and easy to use.
By selecting a Custom Pie, you can create a unique investment portfolio that aligns with your specific financial objectives, such as saving for a down payment on a house or retirement.
Investing for Children
Investing for children is a great way to give them a head start in life. M1 Finance allows users to invest in custodial accounts for children.
This means parents can start saving for their kids' futures even before they're born.
Investing in custodial accounts can be a tax-advantaged way to grow your child's wealth over time.
Retirement Accounts
Retirement Accounts are a crucial part of any investment strategy, and M1 Finance offers a range of options to help you save for the future.
You can invest in Traditional, ROTH, and SEP IRAs with M1 Finance, providing flexibility and tax benefits for your retirement goals.
These account types can help you save for retirement by allowing you to contribute pre-tax dollars, which can reduce your taxable income and lower your tax bill.
Comparison and Alternatives
If you're looking for alternatives to M1 Finance's Pie system, there are several options to consider. One popular choice is Betterment, which offers a more guided approach to investing with professionally managed portfolios.
Betterment's fees start at $4 per month, but it also offers a 0.25% annual fee for investors with $20,000 or more in assets. In contrast, M1 Finance has a fee-free structure, but its Pie system can be complex and overwhelming for some users.
If you value customization, M1 Finance's Pie system is hard to beat, but if you prefer a more traditional robo-advisory experience, Betterment might be a better fit. Here's a comparison of M1 Finance and Betterment:
Ultimately, the choice between M1 Finance and Betterment depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you want a high degree of customization and a zero-fee structure, M1 Finance might be the way to go. But if you prefer a more guided approach and are willing to pay a fee, Betterment could be a better fit.
vs. Betterment
M1 vs. Betterment: What's the Difference?
M1 offers a wide range of account types, including individual, joint, custodial, trust, taxable, Roth and traditional IRAs, and SEP IRAs.
Betterment also offers a variety of account types, but M1 has a slight edge in this department.
M1 has a fee-free structure, while Betterment charges a management fee that starts at $4 per month or 0.25% annual fee for investors with $250 or more in assets.
If you're investing in a taxable account, Betterment's automated tax loss harvesting can help reduce your tax liability.
Betterment's tax loss harvesting is a valuable feature, but it's only available for taxable accounts.
M1 requires a minimum investment of $100, while Betterment has no minimum investment requirement.
Here's a comparison of M1 and Betterment's key features:
Robinhood
Robinhood is a popular investment app that pioneered free stock trading. It offers a range of account options, including traditional and Roth IRAs, cash, and taxable brokerage accounts.
Robinhood's fees are minimal, with free stock trades and an optional $5 per month membership upgrade. The minimum investment required is $0.
If you've maxed out your IRA and 401(k) match, Robinhood is a good option for beginning investors who want to invest in one or two stocks. However, if you're a more sophisticated investor, you might find M1 to be a better fit.
Robinhood has more options for active traders, including options trading. However, it doesn't offer the fastest or best trade routing and execution, which can result in not always getting the best price on shares when placing market orders.
Here's a comparison of Robinhood's features with M1:
Best Alternatives
If you're looking for alternatives to M1 Finance, you may want to consider Wealthfront or Fidelity Go.
Wealthfront offers a middle ground between M1 Finance's customization and Betterment's guided approach, providing automated investing with a degree of customization and advanced tax-loss harvesting.
Fidelity Go presents an interesting alternative, offering a straightforward, low-cost automated investing solution that's backed by a well-established financial institution.
Wealthfront's suite of financial planning tools and cash management features rival M1's integrated platform, but it charges a management fee and doesn't offer the same level of portfolio customization as M1 Finance.
Fidelity Go's simplicity and transparency make it a great choice for those who are less experienced and might struggle with M1's level of customization.
If you value M1's high degree of customization and unique features like fractional shares, you might find Fidelity Go too restrictive.
Wealthfront's professional oversight and risk parity strategies may appeal to more sophisticated investors who found M1's tax handling challenging.
Fidelity Go provides access to Fidelity's extensive educational resources, addressing one of the concerns raised about M1 Finance.
Review
M1 Finance Pie is a unique and powerful tool that allows you to fine-tune your asset allocation with precision, creating a portfolio that perfectly aligns with your investment goals and risk tolerance.
The Pie system is a game-changer in how you approach portfolio construction, making it easy to visualize and adjust your strategy.
M1 Finance's zero-fee structure is a major advantage, eliminating trading commissions and management fees, which can significantly boost your long-term wealth accumulation.
Automation is at the heart of M1 Finance's appeal, with dynamic rebalancing that continuously works to maintain your desired asset allocation, saving you time and removing the emotional aspect of investing.
Fractional shares allow you to invest in high-priced stocks with minimal capital, opening doors to diversification that were previously closed to many investors.
The platform's all-in-one approach, integrating investing, borrowing, and spending, offers a comprehensive financial ecosystem, simplifying your financial life and allowing you to seamlessly move money between investments and everyday spending.
M1 Finance is a good option for those who are committed to investing passively, want to learn about the market by buying individual shares of stock, or have a taxable stock portfolio who can benefit from a margin loan.
Here are some specific situations where M1 Finance might be a good fit:
- Someone who is committed to investing passively and wants to park their IRA, 401(k) and 403(b) rollovers.
- Someone who wants to learn about the market by buying individual shares of stock, limiting their investment to 5% to 10% of their net worth.
- Someone with a taxable stock portfolio who can benefit from a margin loan.
Overall, M1 Finance Pie is a solid option for those looking to take control of their financial future, with a low-cost structure and easy-to-use interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are M1 pies?
M1 Pies are customizable groups of investments, such as stocks, funds, or crypto, that help you visualize and work towards your long-term financial goals. They're the building blocks of a portfolio on the M1 platform.
How many pies can you have in M1?
You can have multiple pies in M1, with each additional pie added as slices within a single brokerage account. Learn more about managing multiple pies in your M1 account.
How to create pie in M1?
To create a pie in M1, navigate to the Research tab and click the "Make Pie" option under "My Pies". You can then add subpies by clicking the plus sign at the top right.
What is the downside of M1 Finance?
M1 Finance has limited investment options, lacking individual bonds, mutual funds, and options trading. It may not be suitable for advanced or sophisticated investors due to its limited scope.
Sources
- https://moneydoneright.com/passive-income/stock-investing/m1-finance-review/
- https://www.biblemoneymatters.com/m1-finance-review/
- https://www.millennialecon.com/blog/m1-finance-review
- https://www.thewaystowealth.com/m1-finance-review/
- https://traderhq.com/m1-finance-review-automated-investing-robo-advisor/
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