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Our brains are hardwired to think short-term. Those last minute crams, the overdue assignment, the lunchtime conundrum…when given the choice, our brains choose what they need to do today, rather than what is better in the long-term. That’s why we know saving beyond the month is hard, let alone even considering investing!

So what is the best way to have your smashed avo today, and still invest for a holiday in the future? By micro-investing small enough amounts that you won’t particularly notice, automatically in the background of life.

Traditionally, investing in a diversified portfolio could set you back thousands and thousands of dollars, and is something most uni students wouldn’t have considered.Acorns has changed this, enabling users to now purchase shares in a diversified portfolio with low minimums ($5) and no traditional fees.

Small efforts can make a big difference over time. What is one good financial habit you've started doing for yourself?

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Invest in the background of life through Round-ups & recurring

Acorns is most well-known for its round-up functionality. This allows users to round-up the spare change from daily card purchases to put towards an investment fund in the background of life. For example, if you purchase a coffee (or midnight kebab!) for $3.50, it will round-up the purchase to $4, and put that $0.50 towards your investment amount. By investing and saving in the background of life, this lets money work for you - while you are cramming for an exam or having a wild night out.

What if I need to take money out?

We get it, life is busy and unpredictable. That’s why users are always able to withdraw their funds at any time with no fee or penalty to go towards that next post-exam holiday or life goal! 

Since inception, from Feb 2016 – Oct 2017, the average Acorns’ user has received 13.3% pa (including all fees but before the $1.25/month). Keep in mind past performance is no indication of future performance.

Wealth Fitness Notifications

Ain’t nobody got time for budget spreadsheets. Think of the app’s My Finance feature as your own personal financial trainer. It gives you a full picture of your total financial situation in one handy dashboard. It can also send you notifications, keeping you up to date on both your current spending and project future potential free cash you may have.

Bonus investments while you shop

We also get that shopping therapy keeps the uni stress away. That’s why with Acorns’ Found Money program, you get a cash bonus every time you shop. Over 40 brands will invest a bonus every time you shop through the app into your Acorns account.

Easy set-up

Acorns is a game charger when it comes to setting up an account. It’s also super easy to monitor and access your investment’s real-time performance. 

We know mobile is key. Acorns is completely digital and mobile-first. The app is designed for easy sign-up and is all you need to invest, withdraw, view your portfolio and manage your account. Of course, you are always able to view it on a desktop as well. 

Earn, Learn & Grow

Acorns is no get rich scheme, but by setting up the right long-term investment strategy early, future-you will be getting to that next life goal sooner!

If you're keen to start saving with Acorns, learn more here or download the app.

Important Information The information is general advice only.  This means it does not take into account any person’s particular investment objectives, financial situation or investment needs. If you are an investor, you should consult your licensed adviser before acting on any information contained in this article to fully understand the benefits and risk associated with the Acorns product. The information is based on assumptions or market conditions which change without notice. This will impact the accuracy of the information. Under no circumstances is the information to be used by, or presented to, a person for the purposes of solely deciding about investing in Acorns. Past return performance of the Acorns product should not be relied on for making a decision to invest in Acorns and is not a good predictor of future performance.