Personal
Investing
Brokerages, IRAs, robo-advisors, and precious-metals accounts — ranked by fee structure, account-type breadth, and fit for your investment goal.
Guides
What to know before you compare
Investing decisions split by account type (taxable brokerage, IRA, 401(k) rollover) and by who manages the portfolio (self-directed vs. robo-advisor vs. advisor). The guides below cover online brokerages, robo-advisors, and IRA-specific products including gold and silver IRAs.
The SEC and FINRA publish investor education resources at investor.gov and finra.org. This content is general information, not personalized investment advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a brokerage account and an IRA?+
A taxable brokerage account has no contribution limits and no withdrawal restrictions, but gains and income are taxed each year. An IRA (Traditional or Roth) offers tax advantages — either a deduction on contributions or tax-free growth — but carries annual contribution limits set by the IRS and restrictions on early withdrawals. Most investors use both: max the IRA first for the tax benefit, then invest additional dollars in a taxable account.
What is a robo-advisor?+
A robo-advisor is an automated investment platform that builds and rebalances a diversified portfolio for you — typically using low-cost ETFs — based on your stated goals and risk tolerance. It charges a management fee (usually a small annual percentage of assets) rather than requiring you to select and manage individual investments. Robo-advisors are well-suited for investors who want a hands-off, low-cost approach to growing long-term savings.
How do you choose between a traditional and Roth IRA?+
A traditional IRA may allow a tax deduction on contributions now, with withdrawals in retirement taxed as ordinary income. A Roth IRA is funded with after-tax dollars, so qualified withdrawals in retirement are generally tax-free. The better choice generally depends on whether your tax rate today is higher or lower than your expected tax rate in retirement. Roth IRAs also have income eligibility limits. Consult a tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.