# Micro-Investing Apps The Acorns App Helps Manage Your Micro-Investing Portfolio By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2014-03-24 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/acorns References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/acorns-smartphone-investment-app/31322/) & [acorns](https://www.acorns.com/) Acorns is a smartphone app that helps users make investments -- small, [micro-investments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/custom-investment-platforms) to be specific. The app lets users select their desired risk-level -- from conservative to aggressive -- and a balance for their portfolio based on the selected risk level. Once the portfolio is set up, it is automatically managed by the Acorns app. Users can re-assess their risk tolerance over time as conditions change, and they begin to appreciate the consequences of their portfolio settings and risk level. The app uses a proprietary brokerage and advisory engine that is set up to make micro-investing economically viable, and less prohibitive for potential investors. The program does not require a minimum account balance or trade commissions. Acorns is hoping that this approach will encourage younger people to think more about investing early, and often. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 29% | Activity: 66% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Credit Crunch](https://www.trendhunter.com/creditcrunch) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Micro-investing:** Opportunity for financial technology startups to develop innovative micro-investing platforms that make investing more accessible and affordable. - **Automated Portfolio Management:** Potential for robo-advisory services to capitalize on the demand for automated portfolio management, catering to users' investment preferences and risk tolerance. - **Education and Awareness:** Room for educational platforms and initiatives to raise awareness and provide financial literacy for younger generations, promoting the benefits of early and regular investing. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Financial Technology (fintech):** Fintech companies can seize the opportunity to develop micro-investing apps, leveraging technology to disrupt traditional investment platforms. - **Robo-advisory Services:** Companies specializing in robo-advisory services can capitalize on the growing demand for automated portfolio management, providing customized investment solutions. - **Financial Education:** Opportunity for educational institutions and online platforms to create and deliver financial literacy programs targeting younger generations, encouraging them to start investing early. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Round-Up Investing Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/real-estate-investing-app.md) - [Low-Cost Investment Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lowcost-investment-app.md) - [Community-Centric Investment Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/communitycentric-investment-app.md) - [Passive Investment Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/passive-investment-platform.md) - [Automated Crypto Investment Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crypto-smartlife-app.md) - [Influencer-Involved Investing Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/influencerinvolved-investing-app.md) - [Teen-Targeting Investing Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/teentargeting-investing-app.md) - [Teen-Targeted Investment Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bloom-app.md) - [Secure Gold Investment Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oropocket-app.md)