Betterment Expands Access to Licensed Financial Experts

In-App Messaging Connects Customers with Expert Advice Anytime, Anywhere

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Jul 26, 2017, 09:00 ET

NEW YORK, July 26, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Betterment, the largest independent online financial advisor, today introduced its new messaging feature, giving customers access to personalized advice from licensed financial experts through Betterment's mobile app. Customers can safely and securely send Betterment's team of financial experts any financial question at any time. This new in-app feature expands on Betterment's commitment to delivering a personalized experience for its customers.

"We're always looking for ways to further personalize our offering so customers get the help they need in the way that works for their individual needs and preferences," said Alex Benke, CFP^®, VP of Financial Advice and Investing at Betterment. "Giving all customers the ability to connect with our experts through our app is a natural extension of this year's announcement of access to CFP^®professionals and licensed experts, and meets the needs of a growing, increasingly diverse customer base that wants more flexibility."

Betterment customers facing important financial decisions can now receive actionable financial advice from an expert through the convenience of a mobile app. This helps customers gain a better understanding of how to make the most of their money, with a convenient format that fits their schedule and preferred way of communicating with financial experts.

Anyone with a Betterment account and mobile app can send any financial question—big or small—to the team of licensed financial experts, and expect to receive a response in about one business day. Experts can offer advice on which funds to move to Betterment, help individuals set realistic goals, like saving for a house or retirement, and weigh in on choosing risk level, amount to invest and type of account. Betterment's advanced, tax-smart technology and expert guidance can help customers stay on track to meet their financial goals, while they receive advice in the format that works best for their needs.

This feature is available to anyone with a Betterment account at no additional cost, regardless of selected plan and account balance. Betterment currently offers two plans for customers: Betterment Digital offers automated portfolio management, tax-efficient investing features and holistic investment advice for an annual fee of 0.25%. Betterment Premium offers all benefits of the Digital plan plus unlimited calls with Betterment's team of CFP^® professionals for an annual fee of 0.40%. With this new messaging feature, Betterment customers can get the level of advice they prefer in whichever format works best for their lifestyle. More information on plans can be found here.

Betterment currently serves more than 280,000 customers and manages more $9.7 billion in assets. To learn more about the new messaging feature, visit https://www.betterment.com/financial-experts/, and download the Betterment iOS app here and Android app here.

Contact Info:

Joe Ziemer, [email protected], 212-228-1328

Arielle Sobel, [email protected], 646-836-9246

Danielle Shechtman, [email protected], 212-228-1328

Betterment is the largest independent online financial advisor with more than $9 billion in assets under management. The service is designed to help increase customers' long-term returns and lower taxes for retirement planning, building wealth, and other financial goals. Betterment takes advanced investment strategies and uses technology to deliver them to more than 250,000 customers across its three business lines: direct-to-consumer, Betterment for Advisors, and Betterment for Business. Learn more.

Investing in securities involves risks, and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities. Determination of largest independent robo-advisor reflects Betterment LLC's distinction of having highest number of assets under management, based on Betterment's review of assets self-reported in the SEC's Form ADV, across Betterment's survey of independent robo-advisor investing services as of July 11, 2016. As used here, "independent" means that a robo-advisor has no affiliation with the financial products it recommends to its clients. If you also have a 401(k) account through Betterment For Business, that account is subject to a separate fee schedule and is not included in your balance for determining eligibility for the fee tiers or subject to the fee cap mentioned above.

SOURCE Betterment