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    Schwab Intelligent Portfolios

    Free robo-advisor. Set + forget.

    What is a robo-advisor?

    • Computer manages your investments automatically.
    • Picks portfolio based on your goals.
    • Rebalances over time.
    • No emotional trading mistakes.
    • Cheaper than human advisor.
    • Schwab's version is FREE (other companies charge).

    Schwab Intelligent — free

    • Zero advisory fee.
    • $5,000 minimum investment.
    • Diversified ETF portfolio.
    • Tax-loss harvesting at $50K+.
    • Quarterly automatic rebalancing.
    • Best free robo-advisor available.

    Schwab Intelligent Premium

    • $25K minimum.
    • $300 one-time setup fee.
    • $30/month subscription.
    • Unlimited access to human CFP.
    • Personalized retirement plan.
    • Worth it for $250K+ accounts.

    How it works

    • Answer 10–15 questions about goals + age.
    • App suggests portfolio mix.
    • Deposit money — auto-invested.
    • Schwab manages everything.
    • You see growth in app.
    • Withdraw anytime.

    Other robo-advisors

    • Vanguard Digital Advisor — 0.20% fee.
    • Betterment — 0.25% fee.
    • Wealthfront — 0.25% fee.
    • Fidelity Go — 0.35% fee on $25K+.
    • All charge fees — Schwab is free.
    • Schwab is best free option.

    Best for these seniors

    • Don't want to manage investments yourself.
    • Don't want to pay 1%+ to a human advisor.
    • $5K–$200K to invest.
    • Comfortable with technology.
    • Set-and-forget personality.
    • Trust Schwab's reputation.

    Free is rare in finance

    Most financial advisors charge 1% per year — that's $5,000 per year on a $500K portfolio. Schwab Intelligent Portfolios charges zero advisory fee for the same automated management. The catch: they hold some cash in your account (which earns less interest). For most senior investors, the savings far outweigh that drawback. Worth considering as DIY-light option.