Thinking about automating your investing strategy but worried about losing control? We get it. Transitioning from manual to automated investing can feel like a big step, especially if you’re used to being hands-on. But here’s the good news: automation doesn’t mean surrendering control—it means working smarter. And if you do it right, it’s a game-changer.

Let’s walk you through how to make the switch seamlessly, while subtly reminding you why tools like Surmount are built differently—and better.

Why Automate Your Investing?

Here’s the thing about manual investing: it’s time-consuming, emotionally draining, and prone to human error. Automation solves these problems by doing the heavy lifting for you:

• Consistency: Stick to your strategy, rain or shine.

• Efficiency: Save time and energy.

• Objectivity: No more panic selling or FOMO buys.

But here’s where Surmount stands out: unlike robo-advisors, we don’t take your money out of your brokerage account to manage it. Your funds stay exactly where they are—safe, accessible, and under your control. You’re not handing over the keys; you’re upgrading your ride.

Step 1: Assess Your Current Setup

Before automating, take stock of your investments:

• What’s your plan? Are you saving for retirement, building wealth, or funding something specific?

• What’s working? Look at your portfolio’s performance, risk exposure, and fees.

• What’s frustrating? Are emotions driving decisions? Is rebalancing taking too much time?

By understanding your strengths and pain points, you can automate a system that works better for you—not just blindly replicate your manual approach.

Step 2: Understand Your Options

Automation comes in different flavors. The key is finding a solution that matches your goals:

1. Robo-Advisors
   These platforms do the work for you, but there’s a catch: your money is moved into their accounts, and your options are limited to their pre-set strategies.
   Not ideal if you value flexibility or want to stay in control.

2. Surmount
   We let you automate your existing brokerage account. Your money stays exactly where it is—no transfers, no middlemen. You retain full access to your funds and gain the power of sophisticated strategies that outperform the cookie-cutter robo-advisor model.
   Translation? You get smarter automation without giving up control.

Step 3: Start Small, Scale Smart

When transitioning, don’t rush. Start by automating a portion of your investments:

• Pick a simple strategy: For example, automate dollar-cost averaging into your favorite ETF.

• Test the waters: Monitor how it performs over a few months.

• Scale up: As you gain confidence, expand automation to other parts of your portfolio.

With Surmount, scaling is easy because you’re not tied to someone else’s strategy. You can customize automation to fit your exact preferences.

Step 4: Harness Advanced Strategies

This is where automation really shines. Manual investing limits you to what you can track and execute yourself. Automation takes your game to the next level:

• Rebalancing: Keep your portfolio aligned with your goals effortlessly.

• Tax-Loss Harvesting: Minimize taxes without spending hours crunching numbers.

• Smart Trading Rules: Automate complex strategies, like adjusting allocations based on market signals.

The best part? Surmount makes these advanced tools accessible to everyone, not just Wall Street pros.

Step 5: Stay in Control

Even with automation, you’re still the boss. Here’s how to keep things running smoothly:

• Check in periodically: Markets evolve, and so should your strategy.

• Adjust for life changes: Big milestones like a new job, marriage, or kids might require tweaks.

• Stay informed: Use tools that provide transparency into your portfolio’s performance (like Surmount’s intuitive dashboards).

With Surmount, you’re never in the dark. Unlike robo-advisors, we keep you in the driver’s seat by giving you full visibility and control over your investments.

Why Surmount Outshines Robo-Advisors

Still wondering what sets Surmount apart? Let’s spell it out:

• Your money stays with you: No transfers to third-party accounts. You keep your funds in your brokerage, ensuring liquidity and control.

• Flexibility: Customize your strategies to fit your exact needs.

• Transparency: Know exactly what’s happening with your investments at all times.

• No cookie-cutter approach: Unlike robo-advisors, our platform adapts to your goals and risk tolerance, not the other way around.

The Bottom Line

Transitioning from manual to automated investing doesn’t have to be intimidating. It’s about working smarter, not harder. And with a platform like Surmount, you don’t just automate—you elevate. Your money stays with your brokerage, your strategies get sharper, and you retain full control. No compromises, no confusion.

Disclaimer: The information presented is for educational purposes only and not an offer or solicitation for any specific investments. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Consult with a financial adviser before making any investment decisions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.