Why I Use Pearler

Imagine an artist, delicately sketching a masterpiece, stroke by stroke. Each line, every curve, contributes to the final work of art. Now, picture an investor crafting a portfolio, investment by investment, growing it to become a masterpiece that secures their financial future. The artist's paintbrush and the investor's tool are not so different, and in the world of investing, Pearler is the paintbrush, a tool to create your financial future.

Pearler is an Australian online investing platform designed for long-term, passive investors. The company's ethos echoes that of the greats like Warren Buffett and Jack Bogle, who championed the art of simplicity in investing. Today, let's explore Pearler and why it might just be the perfect platform for those seeking a long-term, low-cost, and hassle-free investing experience.

1. The Power of Simplicity

In an age where information overflows, bombarding us with endless options and complex strategies, Pearler dares to embrace simplicity. The platform's user-friendly interface and no-frills approach make it the ideal choice for those who want to focus on building wealth steadily over time.

"The most powerful way to grow your money is learning to live with the boring, simple stuff" - Morgan Housel. Pearler embodies this philosophy, offering a straightforward way to invest in a diverse range of ETFs and stocks. By stripping away the noise, Pearler encourages investors to cultivate patience and resist the temptation to tinker with their portfolios constantly.

2. Automation: The Unsung Hero

Consistency is the backbone of long-term investing success, and automation is the secret sauce that keeps investors on track. Pearler's Autoinvest feature allows users to set up recurring investments, seamlessly executing their predetermined strategy month after month. As the portfolio creator, you set what you the allocations to be and recurring investments will stick to this plan. This is similar functionality to investment platforms that many Advisers utilise to manage clients wealth - included at no extra cost.

Automation minimizes the emotional roller coaster that often accompanies investing. By removing the need to make decisions every time you invest, Pearler insulates you from market noise and ensures that your long-term plan stays on course, even amidst turbulent times.

3. Low Costs Help Returns

Pearler acknowledges that fees can be the silent killer of investment returns. By keeping costs low, currently $6.5 per trade, the platform empowers users to retain more of their hard-earned wealth. Pearler's competitive brokerage fees, combined with its focus on low-cost ETFs, create an environment where investors can thrive.

4. A Community of Like-Minded Souls

In a world where high-speed trading and get-rich-quick schemes are rampant, Pearler offers a sanctuary for those who believe in the power of long-term, passive investing. The platform nurtures a community of like-minded individuals, all united by the common goal of achieving financial independence.

"Every great investor is primarily a great psychologist" - Morgan Housel. By surrounding oneself with a supportive community, Pearler users can draw on the collective wisdom and psychological strength of their peers, making it easier to stay the course in the face of market turbulence.

Warren Buffett once said, "The most important investment you can make is in yourself." Pearler understands the value of investing in one's financial education, offering access to a wealth of resources to help users grow their knowledge and make better decisions.

Pros of Pearler:

Long-term focus: Pearler is specifically designed for long-term, passive investors, helping them build and maintain a diversified portfolio over time.
User-friendly interface: The platform is intuitive and easy to use, even for beginners in the world of investing.
Low costs: Pearler offers competitive brokerage fees, which can help investors maximise their returns over time.
Automation: The Autoinvest feature allows users to set up recurring investments, automating their investment strategy and promoting consistency.
Access to ETFs and stocks: Pearler provides a wide range of investment options, including low-cost ETFs and individual stocks, allowing investors to create a diversified portfolio.
Mobile App: Great UI, easy to use and the full functionality you get from the web experience - what’s not to like?
Educational resources: The platform offers a wealth of educational materials, helping users to expand their financial knowledge and make better investment decisions.
Community: Pearler fosters a community of like-minded investors, providing a supportive environment for those who share a long-term, passive investing philosophy.

Cons of Pearler:

Limited to Australian investors: Currently, Pearler is only available to Australian residents, limiting its accessibility for international investors.
Limited access to international stocks: While you can expect the big names of the S&P500 and a few ETF's, the list of international stocks is quite slim. This is constantly growing and I hope to see it match competitors in future.
International trading limited to individuals: Do you invest through a trust? Unfortunately access to international stocks is not currently available for trusts.
No Superannuation: Currently there is no way to manage your superannuation through super - this would be a game change and something I hope the team is looking at closely.
No advanced trading features: Pearler focuses on simplicity and long-term investing, which means it lacks some advanced trading features and tools that active traders might prefer.
Limited research tools: While Pearler offers educational resources, it does not provide extensive research tools or in-depth analysis for individual stocks or ETFs. Investors may need to rely on external sources for additional research.

Not for you? Lucky you have options! While Pearler focuses on long-term, passive investing with an emphasis on simplicity and automation, its competitors cater to a broader range of investors, offering various products, tools, and fee structures. Each platform's advantages will appeal to different investor needs and preferences.

Key competitors of Pearler in the Australian investing landscape include CommSec, SelfWealth, Stake, and CMC Markets. Each platform offers distinct advantages catering to different investor preferences:

CommSec (Commonwealth Securities):
Market leader: CommSec is the largest online trading platform in Australia, backed by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA).
Comprehensive trading platform: It offers a wide range of trading options, including shares, ETFs, options, warrants, and more.
Research tools: CommSec provides investors with extensive research tools, market data, and analysis.
Mobile app: The platform has a well-designed mobile app, allowing users to trade and manage their investments on the go.
SelfWealth:
Low-cost flat-fee trading: SelfWealth offers a flat-fee trading structure, which can be beneficial for investors looking to minimize costs.
CHESS-sponsored: Shares purchased through SelfWealth are CHESS-sponsored, providing investors with greater security and control over their holdings.
Social investing: The platform allows users to view and compare their portfolios with other members, offering insights and ideas for potential investments.
Mobile app: SelfWealth offers a mobile app for convenient trading and portfolio management.
Stake:
Access to US stocks: Stake specializes in providing Australians with access to the US stock market, allowing users to invest in over 3,000 US stocks and ETFs.
Commission-free trading: The platform offers commission-free trading on US stocks and ETFs, attracting cost-conscious investors.
Fractional shares: Stake allows users to invest in fractional shares, making it easier for investors to diversify their portfolios without the need for large amounts of capital.
Mobile app: Stake offers a user-friendly mobile app for trading and portfolio management.
CMC Markets:
Wide range of products: CMC Markets offers a comprehensive suite of trading options, including shares, ETFs, options, CFDs, and forex.
Competitive fees: The platform has a tiered fee structure with competitive rates, especially for active traders.
Advanced trading tools: CMC Markets provides advanced trading tools, charting software, and research resources, catering to more experienced and active traders.
Mobile app: The platform offers a well-designed mobile app for trading and managing investments on the go.

In conclusion, Pearler is more than just an another brokerage account; it's a way of investing - embracing simplicity, automation, low costs, and community. For those who believe in the power of long-term, low maintenance investing, Pearler is the paintbrush that can help create their financial masterpiece.

Want to see my portfolio on Pearler? Follow me here.