Introduction

This year marks a pivotal shift in how Americans manage their wealth. With growing uncertainty and complexity in markets, investors are turning to active strategies and automation—pairing calculated control with smart technology. Here’s how these trends are reshaping personal finance.

Trend 1: The Rise of Active Investing

A recent survey reveals that 62% of U.S. investors now prefer active investment strategies—seeking to outperform the market amidst volatility. Concerns over inflation, tax changes, and economic instability are pushing more people toward hands-on portfolio management. Trust in financial advisors is high—96% value their input—though most still want to stay involved in key decisions. 

Trend 2: Automation in Saving & Investing

Automation isn’t just convenient—it’s becoming standard practice. By 2025, nearly 75% of savers automate transfers into savings or investment accounts. Robo-advisors are managing over $2 trillion in assets globally, and these tools typically boost monthly savings rates by 15–20%. 

Why These Trends Matter

• Performance meets convenience: Active investors stay agile in changing markets, while automation builds consistency and eliminates behavioral barriers.
  
  
• Trusted guidance with control: Most investors rely on advisor support—but still want a say in strategy, blending expertise with personal direction.
  
  
• Improved financial habits: Automated contributions help individuals save more systematically, reducing stress and increasing long-term outcomes.
  
  

Guidance for Financial Advisors

• Champion hybrid strategies: Combine clients’ active involvement with automated tools to streamline saving and investing.
  
  
• Offer clarity and choice: Present both active and passive paths—and how technology enhances both.
  
  
• Simplify complexity: Use budgeting apps, automated rebalancing, and sideline dashboards to make engagement effortless.
  
  
• Encourage small consistent habits: Even modest automations—like $50/month transfers—add up significantly.
  
  

Broader Implications

These dual trends reflect a maturing financial mindset among U.S. consumers: one that combines savvy engagement with smart systems. Whether navigating inflation concerns or striving for better returns, Americans are crafting resilient strategies to secure their financial futures.

Action Plan for Readers

1. Set up automated savings or investing—even small transfers build over time.
   
   
2. Stay actively involved—review and update your plan quarterly.
   
   
3. Use a human-backed platform—robo-advisors with advisor access offer best of both worlds.
   
   
4. Monitor your mindset—automation helps curb emotional decisions during market swings.
   
   
5. Share progress—engaging with peers or advisors reinforces positive habits.