The Simple Investing Move That Raises Retirement Confidence From 39% to 68%

Less than half of Americans (44%) are confident in their retirement readiness, according to a new Betterment report. However, one investing habit stands out among those who feel more prepared for the future.

The report found that using a digital investing platform raises retirement confidence by 29 percentage points. Among digital platform users, 68% feel confident about their retirement readiness, compared with just 39% of non-users — the largest confidence gap identified in the study.

Here’s why using a digital investing platform can boost confidence and how anyone can get started.

Why Digital Investing Platforms Increase Retirement Confidence

Digital investing platforms combine automated investing tools with a structured approach to long-term financial planning.

“A digital platform gives people structure,” said Kyle McBrien, certified financial planner and senior financial planner at Betterment. “That means one place to see their accounts, define goals, automate contributions and keep a plan visible when markets or life get noisy. That can make an intimidating, long-term goal feel more manageable.”

Beyond simplifying investing, platform users were also more likely to practice other healthy financial habits:

• Proactive planning: 77% of platform users review their plan before major milestones versus 53% of non-users

• Regular check-ins: 59% revisit strategy quarterly or more versus 33% of non-users

• Combined guidance: Platform users are 54% more likely to also work with an advisor

“Those are the habits that tend to build confidence over time,” McBrien said. “It’s less about checking an app every day and more about having a system that helps you make intentional decisions and stay invested through short-term distractions.”

McBrien recommended reviewing your financial plan quarterly or semiannually.

“It’s frequent enough to make sure your plan still reflects your life, but not so frequent that you start reacting to every headline or market move,” McBrien said. “Your investment strategy should be built for years, not news cycles.”

He said life changes, rather than market headlines, should typically determine when a plan needs to be revisited.

“Revisit your plan when your income changes, expenses materially rise or fall, you take on debt, your timeline for a goal changes or your risk tolerance shifts,” McBrien said.

Still, a review doesn’t always require action.

“Often, the best outcome is confirming that the plan still fits and continuing to follow it,” McBrien said.

How To Start Using a Digital Investing Platform for Retirement

The benefits of digital investing are clear, and getting started doesn’t require extensive market knowledge or a large amount of money.

Step 1: Determine Your Goal

“Start with the goal, not the product,” McBrien said. “Ask what the money is for, and how much flexibility you have along the way.”

Step 2: Choose a Platform

Investors can choose from robo-advisors, online brokerages and workplace retirement plans such as 401(k) plans. Many platforms offer low-cost investment options, making it possible to start with relatively small contributions.

Step 3: Automate Contributions

Set up recurring contributions directly from your paycheck or bank account. Even a modest amount invested consistently can help build momentum over time.

“Automation is powerful because it removes the need to make the same decision every month and helps investing become a habit rather than a reaction,” McBrien said.

Step 4: Schedule Regular Check-Ins

Review your portfolio every three to six months to make sure you’re still on track. Because investment accounts can be monitored digitally, these reviews can often be completed in just a few minutes.

Step 5: Add One Guidance Touchpoint

Consider meeting with a financial advisor once a year or asking a trusted financial professional to review your plan. An outside perspective can help ensure your investment strategy still aligns with your goals.

The Bottom Line

Many Americans struggle to feel confident about retirement, but the Betterment report suggests that adopting a structured investing system can make a meaningful difference. Even small recurring contributions can help build retirement savings over time. And as the data shows, creating a consistent investing routine may improve not only your portfolio, but your confidence in your financial future as well.

This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.

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