Recently, a friend asked me, “Why did you choose Endowus when there are cheaper platforms available?”
It’s a fair question. As someone who values low-cost investing, I was initially hesitant about paying higher fees. But after using the platform for a while, I realized that it fits my needs as a busy professional and parent—helping me invest without the hassle of managing everything myself.
Starting Small, Growing Steadily
I first started investing with $5,000 on Endowus, just to test the platform and see how it worked. Over time, as I got more comfortable with the approach and saw the portfolio’s stability, I gradually increased my investments. Today, my Endowus portfolio has grown to $70,000, and I continue adding funds regularly.
The market has had its ups and downs, but volatility has never been a major concern because the portfolio is globally diversified. Unlike stock picking, where a single company’s bad earnings report could wipe out gains, my investments in Endowus are spread across different sectors and asset classes—helping to smooth out the ride.
A Hands-Off Way to Invest for My Kids’ Future
One of my biggest financial goals is saving for my children’s education. With rising tuition costs, I want to ensure that I have a structured way to grow my savings over the next 10-15 years.
Endowus allows me to do this in a way that fits my lifestyle:
✔️ CPF OA Investments – Instead of leaving my CPF OA to earn just 2.5%, I can invest a portion for potentially higher returns.
✔️ A Diversified Portfolio – I don’t have to stock-pick or time the market, which means less stress and more time for my family.
Steady Growth with Monthly Distributions
Another benefit I enjoy is receiving monthly distributions from some of my Endowus portfolios. While most of my investments are in long-term growth portfolios, I recently allocated some funds into income-generating portfolios, which provide a steady payout.
This is a good option for those who want some passive income while still investing for growth. While the distributions aren’t huge, they help reinforce the idea that investing isn’t just about capital appreciation—it can also provide cash flow when structured properly.
Yes, The Fees Are Higher, But…
When my friend asked about the fees, I had to admit—yes, Endowus’ fees are higher than some alternatives like Interactive Brokers or Syfe. But for me, the extra cost is justified because:
- It simplifies my investment process—I don’t have to manually rebalance or research which ETFs to buy.
- It allows CPF/SRS investing, something that most robo-advisors don’t support.
- It helps me stick to a long-term plan without constantly second-guessing my decisions.
I’ve learned that fees only matter if they reduce your long-term returns. But if paying slightly more allows me to stay invested, build wealth steadily, and avoid emotional mistakes, then it’s a trade-off I’m willing to make.
Final Thoughts
I used to believe that lower fees always meant better investing, but I now realize that the best investment plan is the one that works for my lifestyle and goals. As a busy professional and parent, I need something easy to manage that allows me to invest for the future—without constantly checking the market.
Endowus isn’t for everyone. If you prefer DIY stock picking or ultra-low-cost ETFs, there are cheaper platforms. But if you’re looking for a simple, CPF/SRS-friendly, and hands-off way to invest, it’s worth considering.
What about you? How do you balance investing with a busy life? Let me know in the comments! 🚀