Robo-Advisors vs. Financial Advisors: Which is Better & Why? - Fincart (2024)

In today’s tech-savvy world, we’re faced with a choice: humans or AI. AI can now tackle tasks that once upon a time took hours, in mere seconds. But let’s not forget about human instincts and expertise, to which one may ask “Do they still matter?” Absolutely, they do! Both sides have their own set of benefits and limitations.

AI is spreading like wildfire, and it’s even made its way into the financial advisory scene. There’s no doubt that robo advisors are on the rise, and people are now stuck in a dilemma between the two.

In this article, we’re going to cover everything about human advisors and financial robo advisors. We’ll break down what they are, what they bring to the table, and where they can fall short. By the end, you’ll have the lowdown to help you make a smart decision for your unique situation!

Robo advisors

The world of possibilities is right at your fingertips these days, isn’t it? Anything can be achieved if you have access to the internet and a smartphone. That’s precisely what the Robo Advisors offer as well.

So, what exactly are these robo-advisors? Well, they are computer programs that automatically give you financial advice and handle your investments using logic. In simpler words, they’re your financial guides who will assess your current situation, wants, needs, risk appetites, and goals. Then, they will create a highly personalised investment plan for you without even needing a human touch!

Now, why did robo-advisors pop up in the first place?

People have always wanted financial advice that is both effective and easily accessible. Unlike human advisors who may/may not charge you an amount for their help, robo-advisors are very budget-friendly. That means more people and more people can be reached out to with robo advisory.

Let’s explore a few benefits and limitations of Robo Advisors!

Cost-Effective Solutions:

Robo-advisors are budget-friendly. They charge lower fees compared to human advisors, which is great news for most people. This means you don’t have to be rich to get some good advice on where to put your money! This approach makes it accessible to a wider range of people.

Personalised Investment Strategies:

Robo-advisors craft personalised investment plans that are just for you. They give you a questionnaire to fill in, asking for many details of your personal life and taking a good look at your goals, how much risk you’re comfortable with, and what you want to achieve!

Convenient Access Anytime:

With robo-advisors, your investments are always within reach, the only requirement at your end is a smart device and an internet connection. You can easily keep tabs on them anytime, anywhere, just by hopping online! It’s like having a financial guide in your pocket, available 24/7!

However, you should keep in mind that even technology has downsides. They may lack the personal touch that human advisors provide, which may lead to potential mismatches in your financial strategy. You see, a robot or AI lacks empathy, and investment can be a very emotional endeavour for a lot of people. Additionally, you may experience bugs and glitches from time to time. Their services are generally limited to investment management, neglecting the broader financial planning aspects. Plus, a lot of people worry and think twice before providing so much personal information to an AI!

Human financial advisors

Now, let’s talk about what a Financial Advisor brings to the table!

A human Financial planner helps you manage your money and make good financial decisions for your future. They usually give you advice on things like saving for retirement, investing in stocks and bonds, and planning for big expenses, not to dive into them without giving them much thought. The great thing about human financial advisors is that they’re good listeners and they help you make informed decisions by empathising with you. They can tell you how you can save on taxes by understanding your current position and problems.

But like everything else in the world, they have their cons as well. Let’s discuss a few benefits and limitations of financial advisors!

Personalised Guidance:

Whenever you need some financial guidance, you can rely upon a financial advisor and set up a meeting with them. They’ll personally ask you many questions to understand where you’re coming from and will consider your background before giving you a solution. They’re experts at getting to know your specific financial situation and crafting strategies just for you. Whether your life circ*mstances change or your financial goals evolve, they can adjust your plan accordingly.

Emotional Support:

This is a major thing that AI lacks. Having a human advisor who understands and empathises with you can be a great blessing! At times of distress, they have the capability to calm you down and offer solutions. For instance, if the money you have invested has not started generating returns or is going in the negative direction, they would help you stick to your investment plan and not make rash decisions based on emotions. Think of them as financial therapists who would keep you steady in times of distress.

Wide-ranging Services:

Unlike robo-advisors, human advisors are the all-in-one package! They offer a full suite of financial planning services. They cover a wide range of services like estate planning, optimising your taxes, figuring out the best way to retire comfortably, insurance, etc. They try to cover all your financial needs!

However, you must also consider the drawbacks that come with human financial advisors as well. Sometimes, their fees are typically higher than that of robo-advisors. This makes them less accessible for investors with lesser income and smaller portfolios. Also, their availability may be limited to their working hours. For instance, if you need urgent advice at 2 a.m., it may be unethical to call your advisor at that hour. So, it is not a great option for people who prefer round-the-clock access.

Other than that, they’re slower at providing solutions than robo-advisors. Sometimes, they may take some time to sit with your problems and then provide you with a solution in a day or two.

Which type of advisor is better for you?

Determining whether to choose robo-advisors or human financial advisors can cause a dilemma – Robo Advisors vs Financial Advisors. The truth is that the right fit for you depends on various factors:

• Financial Goals:If your financial needs are pretty straightforward, and your primary aim is to seek low-cost, automated investment management, robo-advisors may be a food option. However, if you have complex financial goals, like wanting to opt for tax optimisation, estate planning, etc., a human advisor’s expertise would be invaluable!
• Risk Tolerance:In their hearts, everyone knows what their risk appetite is.If you don’t, try and access it a little bit before deciding which advisor to choose for yourself. Here’s the thing – Robo-Advisors follow a rules-based approach. They would stick to a systematic and similar approach for everyone. Whereas Financial Advisors can provide more tailored risk management strategies based on your comfort level. They’re flexible and understanding about the fear of losing one’s money.
• Investment Portfolio:Knowing the size of your investment portfolio also plays a role here. Robo-advisors may be a great and cost-effective idea for smaller portfolios. Whereas human advisors may be more cost-justifiable as your portfolio grows in size. Their expertise and personalised service are likely to yield higher returns and more comprehensive financial management!
• Emotional Resilience:Always consider your emotions before making this decision. Think about how you would react to market volatility. If the answer is that you tend to make impulsive decisions during market fluctuations, a human advisor’s emotional support can be way more beneficial than what a robo-advisor would do. All of this being said, there can be nothing better than the combination of both. Both technology and humans bring out the best in each other!

Hybrid Models and Their Viability

Hybrid models, which combine elements of both robo-advisors and human financial advisors, are gaining more and more popularity. These models offer a middle ground, which allows you to benefit from automated investment management while also retaining access to human support and expertise when needed! These models attempt to provide the best of both worlds and cater to a broader spectrum of financial needs.

Also Read:How To Improve Your Financial Health With Financial Advisor

Conclusion

In this digital age with AI all around, it’s not a “one or the other” deal when it comes to robo-advisors and human financial advisors. It’s more about what works best for you, considering your unique financial situation, and goals. Robo-advisors are great for saving money and being easy to reach, but if you want advice that is personalised just for you and helps with all aspects of your finances; human advisors are your go-to!

At the end of the day; the best way to go may be a mix of both. You get the benefits of automated investing and can tap into human expertise when you need it. But whatever you decide, just remember this – the secret to managing your money well is making smart choices and picking an advisor that matches your financial goals!