Warm-Up

EDPUZZLE: Should I Use a Robo-Advisor? 📷12 min

Investing today looks a lot different than it did just a few decades ago due to rapid developments in technology. Robo-advisors are becoming an increasingly popular tool that many people are turning to to manage their investment portfolios. Watch this video and follow your teacher's directions to answer the questions either in your student activity packet or within the EdPuzzle itself.

INFOGRAPHIC: How Micro-investing Works 📷4 min

Like robo-advising, micro-investing is a popular way to bring new investors into the market. Review the infographic to learn more about how it works, then answer the questions.

ARTICLE: Pros and Cons of Spare Change Investing Apps 📷9 min

Micro-investing can be a good way to introduce someone to investing, but their needs could potentially outgrow the strategy quite quickly. Review the article to learn more about the pros and cons of micro-investing. Then, answer the questions.

ARTICLE: How Artificial Intelligence is Revolutionizing Stock Investing 📷6 min

Artificial intelligence (AI) is also shaping the world of investing. Read this article to learn how. Then, answer the questions.

ACTIVITY: RESEARCH: Online Tools and Apps 📷35 min

Now that you’ve taken a look at some of the technology that fuels modern investing, let’s do some research and analyze investing apps available in the market. Follow the directions on the worksheet to complete the activity.

RESEARCH: Online Tools and Apps

35 min

• Teacher Tip: This activity is designed to be functional across multiple units, including Checking, Saving, Budgeting, and Investing. Students will complete this activity depending on what unit you are in.

The rise of online tools and apps has provided us with the ability to manage our finances like never before. Whether you’re trying to budget smarter or put more away towards retirement, there’s an app for all kinds of financial goals you want to meet. In this activity, you will conduct research on some of these online tools to discover their features and determine which one(s) you like best!

Part I: Determine Your Unit Category

1. Follow your teacher’s instructions on which category of apps you will be researching from the table below. Circle or highlight the category.

Checking

• Top Peer-to-Peer Payment Apps - Nerdwallet

• Make Paying Easier with the Best Payment Apps - Money Under 30

Saving

• The Best Money Saving Apps - Bankrate

• Struggle to Save Regularly? Tools That Turn Loose Change into Savings - The Penny Hoarder

Budgeting

• Buy Side Awards: Best Budgeting Apps - Wall Street Journal

• The Best Budget Apps - Nerdwallet

Investing

• Best Investment Apps - NerdWallet

• 10 Best Investment Apps - Bankrate

Part II: Research

1. Use the resources listed above for your category to select 3 apps you want to research in more detail. Then, conduct your own research to access additional resources and fill out the table for each app. While doing your research, think about the following questions:

• Is there an age requirement to use this tool?

• Is there a minimum amount of money or accounts you must have to use this tool?

• Does the tool work with specific banks/accounts only or can you use it regardless of your bank?

• Is the tool online only, mobile only, or does it work on both computers and mobile devices?

• Who owns the tool? How long has the tool existed? What is the tool’s reputation?

• Who is the target customer for using this tool? How many customers, clients, or users does this tool have?

• What security or anti-fraud measures does this company take to protect their users?