Self-Directed Investing
Introducing: The Guided Wealth Portfolio
GWP is an automated online investment platform featuring goals-based recommendations for general investing, large purchases, or retirement. GWP is eligible only for residents of Missouri and Illinois. You must be 18 years old. You must have a valid social security number or tax identification number.
About Investing with Guided Wealth Portfolios:
- GWP Intelligent Technology: This algorithm-enhanced program uses comprehensive investment techniques to generate dynamic and personalized advice based on your risk tolerance, time horizon, and goals. You can manage investments anytime, anywhere with GWP’s easy-to-use, online account portal or speak with a Financial Consultant on our team.
- GWP adapts as your goals and needs change.
- Daily monitoring and automatic rebalancing
- Access to personalized financial advice from a Financial Consultant at Investment Services at First Community.
- Minimum Investment: $5,000.00
- Annual Advisor Fee: .35% of Assets Under Management
- Annual Platform Fee: .35% of Assets Under Management
- Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) weighted average expense ratio: .15%
Investment Process and Philosophy
With Guided Wealth Portfolios, you receive a diversified portfolio that matches your risk preferences and helps
you work toward your unique financial goals, all while enjoying an at-your-fingertips digital investment experience.
Learn more about the platform: easy online investing
Through our Guided Wealth Portfolios (GWP) investment platform, you get our experience and expertise
with the added convenience and transparency of a digital investing solution where you have the ability
to view and update your accounts at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Self-Directed Investing
What is self-directed investing?
Self-directed investing is an approach in which individuals make their own investment decisions and manage their own portfolios without ongoing discretionary management from a financial professional.
Is self-directed investing right for me?
Self-directed investing may be appropriate for individuals who are comfortable researching investments, monitoring markets, and making portfolio decisions. The suitability of this approach depends on financial knowledge, available time, and personal preferences.
What are the advantages of self-directed investing?
Potential advantages include greater control over investment decisions, flexibility in portfolio management, and direct involvement in the investment process. Benefits vary based on individual goals and experience.
What are the risks of self-directed investing?
Self-directed investors assume responsibility for investment research, asset allocation, and portfolio decisions. Common risks may include insufficient diversification, emotional decision-making, and lack of a long-term investment strategy.
How do beginners get started with self-directed investing?
Many beginners start by learning investment fundamentals, understanding risk tolerance, establishing financial goals, and creating a diversified portfolio aligned with their objectives and time horizon.
What is the difference between self-directed investing and investment management?
Self-directed investing places decision-making responsibility on the investor, while investment management typically involves ongoing guidance, monitoring, and portfolio oversight provided by a financial professional.
How much diversification should a self-directed investor have?
Diversification needs vary based on goals, risk tolerance, and investment timelines. A diversified portfolio generally includes multiple asset types rather than concentrating investments in a single holding or sector.
Can self-directed investors still work with a financial advisor?
Yes. Some investors choose to make their own investment decisions while seeking periodic guidance from a financial advisor on planning topics such as retirement, risk management, or overall portfolio strategy.
How can I avoid common self-directed investing mistakes?
Common mistakes include chasing market trends, failing to diversify, reacting emotionally to market volatility, and investing without clearly defined goals. A disciplined, long-term approach may help address these challenges.
Should self-directed investors review their financial plan regularly?
Yes. Regular reviews can help ensure investment decisions remain aligned with financial goals, changing life circumstances, retirement objectives, and overall financial priorities.
Guided Wealth Portfolios (GWP) is a centrally managed investment program sponsored by LPL Financial LLC (LPL). GWP generates investment recommendations based upon model portfolios constructed by LPL. If you are receiving advisory services in GWP from a separately registered investment advisor firm other than LPL, LPL is not an affiliate of such advisor. LPL investment advisors are registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and LPL is also a Member FINRA/SIPC.
All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk. An investment in Exchange Traded Funds (ETF), structured as a mutual fund or unit investment trust, involves the risk of losing money. An investment in ETFs involves additional risks such as non-diversification, price volatility, competitive industry pressure, international political and economic developments, possible trading halts, and index tracking errors.