Getting started with investing

Automated Investing: What it is and How to Get Started

May 1, 2025
5 minutes

Investing has traditionally involved active decision-making, in-depth research, and professional guidance. However, technological advancements have reshaped the financial landscape, empowering individuals to automate their investments and reduce the need for hands-on management.

This article explores automated investing and its different types, how to set it up, and whether it suits your financial goals.

What Is Automated Investing?

Automated investing refers to a range of technologies designed to simplify investment management and remove emotional decision-making. Instead of manually picking and trading stocks, these tools use algorithms to make investment decisions based on predefined rules.

For example, take algorithmic trading—a type of automated investing, as an example. You can set up a trading platform to buy or sell assets based on specific conditions. You might, for example, program it to buy 10 shares of a stock when its 50-day moving average rises above its 200-day moving average. The size and complexity of your algorithm can be adjusted as needed or depending on your resources. 

Robo-Advisors: A Leading Segment of Automated Investing

Robo-advisors are a common form of automated investing. These online platforms use sophisticated models to create and manage investment portfolios based on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and timeline. They offer a compelling alternative to traditional financial advisors. They often charge lower fees while offering features like 24/7 portfolio management, and clear visibility into your investments through their user-friendly interfaces.

For a deeper dive, explore our comprehensive guide to robo advisors and automated investing

How to Automate Your Investment

Getting started with automated investing is easy. Here’s how to get started:

1. Open an Investment Account

Choose a brokerage, robo-advisor, or trading platform that supports automation. Make sure it aligns with your investment goals.

2. Pick Your Investments

Decide what you want to invest in—stocks, bonds, ETFs, or crypto —based on your risk tolerance and financial objectives.

3. Link Your Funding Account

Linking your bank account enables seamless, automated transfers to fund your investments.

4. Set Your Funding Schedule

Choose how often you want to contribute—weekly, biweekly, or monthly. 

What You Need to Open an Automated Investing Account

The required information varies by platform, but these details are commonly requested when setting up an automated investing account.

  • Personal Details: Name, date of birth, contact information, valid government ID, and proof of address. 
  • Financial Information: Income level, investment experience, and risk tolerance.
  • Minimum Deposit: Some platforms require as little as $10, while others may need $500 or more to get started. With Peccala, you can start investing with a minimum investment of 200 USDT.

Check out Peccala’s account creation process for a more comprehensive look into opening your account. 

Types of Automated Investment Strategies

Automated investing strategies can range from simple recurring transfers to more complex algorithmic trading models. These options cater to various financial goals:

  • Employer-Sponsored Retirement Accounts: You have the option to automate contributions and portfolio rebalancing. Here’s how it works: Employees can contribute a portion of their salary, often with employer matching, and enjoy tax advantages, like tax-deferred growth as the value of their investments go up. Examples include 401(k) or 403(b) plans.
  • Dividend Reinvestment Plans (DRIPs): Instead of paying out dividends as cash, some platforms offer the option to automatically reinvest dividends into additional shares. This accelerates your equity portfolio growth through compounding. Many companies offer DRIPs with little to no transaction fees.
  • Recurring Transfers: Scheduled contributions to investment accounts, so you consistently build your portfolio without thinking about it. While this option adds liquidity to your account, you will still have to manually purchase assets.
  • Robo-Advisors: Fully automated investment management that handles diversification and rebalancing for you (as mentioned above).

Is Automated Investing a Good Idea?

Automated investing can be a great tool, but it’s not for everyone. Here are key characteristics to note:

The Benefits of Automated Investing

  • Effortless Management: Perfect for those who want to stay hands-off with their investments.
  • Reduced Fees: Robo-advisors and automated strategies generally have lower costs as opposed to traditional financial advisors.
  • Steady Approach: Eradicates mental guesswork and ensures consistent contributions without stress.
  • Easy Access: Enables people with limited funds to begin investing with small amounts and low minimum balance requirements.

Potential Drawbacks of Automated Investing:

  • Lack of Personalization: Automated investing may not accommodate highly specific or complex financial situations. 
  • Preset Portfolios and Reduced Flexibility: You should be comfortable with the preset portfolio options and associated risks. With preset algorithms, you’ll have to  relinquish most control and trust the platform’s algorithmic decisions.

Is Automated Investing Risky?

Not inherently. Since automated deposits benefit from dollar-cost averaging (DCA), investments are spread over time and minimizes market timing risk. Automated investing is designed for steady, long-term growth, not high-risk, short-term speculation. Potential risks, like market volatility and suboptimal decision-making, exist and should be considered. But if you prefer a consistent, hands-off approach with lower advisory costs, then automated investing is the way.

Setting Up An Automated Investing Account With Peccala

Peccala’s investment performance has been strong against popular benchmarks like the S&P 500 and Bitcoin. Since 2021, Peccala’s High Risk Strategy (PECH) has achieved an annualized ROI of 271%, while its Medium Risk Strategy (PECM) with 167%. In comparison,  the S&P 500 generated an annualized ROI of approximately 14%, and Bitcoin with approximately 34% over the same period. 

Interested in getting started with Peccala? Here is a breakdown of your journey with us.

  1. Invest in Strategies: Start by depositing USDT into your Peccala Account. Then, choose how to spread your investment across our High Risk Strategy (PECH) and/or Medium Risk Strategy (PECM). Each strategy is linked to a Peccala Token, which will be credited to your account once you invest.
  2. Hold Your Peccala Tokens: The value of your Peccala Tokens changes in real time. You can track your investment performance in USDT anytime, as the system works 24/7 to manage your funds.
  3. Redeem Your Tokens: When you're ready to cash out, redeem your Peccala Tokens. You'll get their current value in USDT. The process is simple and transparent.

Final Thoughts

Automated investing offers a streamlined approach to building wealth.. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy entry into investing or an experienced investor seeking efficiency, automated investing provides a valuable gateway into today’s digital financial landscape. With the right approach, it can help you achieve long-term success.

Stay informed by following us on social media for the latest updates and insights.