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Should I use a robo-advisor, do it myself, or buy a target-date fund?

Answer

All three can work — the right pick depends on how much you want to manage. A target-date fund is the simplest: you buy one fund matched to your retirement year, and it automatically holds a diversified mix that grows more conservative over time, typically for around 0.10–0.15% a year inside a 401(k). A robo-advisor (often 0.25%) builds and rebalances a portfolio for you and adds features like tax-loss harvesting in taxable accounts. DIY indexing — buying a few low-cost total-market funds yourself — costs the least but requires you to rebalance and stay disciplined. A good rule: if you'd ignore the account for years, a target-date fund or robo is safer than a half-managed DIY portfolio. Gauge your comfort level with our investor-profile assessment at wealthserene.com/assessments/investor-profile.

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