Investing doesn’t have to be complicated, and with Stash, you can start building your future easily and in a way that matches your personal values. Stash is an app that helps beginners and experienced investors alike by offering tools to choose investments based on their goals and beliefs. Whether you care about sustainability, equality, or other principles, Stash makes it simple to invest in what matters to you while helping your money grow over time. Start investing with confidence today!

What is Stash?

Stash is an intuitive investment platform designed to support both beginners and seasoned investors. With features like fractional shares, automated investing, and personalized recommendations, it makes investing accessible no matter your level of financial expertise. What truly sets Stash apart is its emphasis on values-based investing, allowing users to align their portfolios with their personal beliefs and priorities.

The platform organizes investments into meaningful themes such as clean energy, gender equality, and tech innovation, empowering users to grow their wealth while supporting causes they care about. This thoughtful approach helps investors create portfolios that not only deliver financial growth but also make a positive impact.

Step 1: Clarify Your Values and Goals

Before you begin investing, take time to define your core values and financial objectives. Consider the following questions:

• What causes or principles are most important to me? (e.g., environmental sustainability, social justice, education)
• What are my short-term and long-term financial priorities? (e.g., saving for a home, planning for retirement, building an emergency fund)
• How much risk am I willing to take?

Answering these questions will provide a clear foundation for your investment journey.

Step 2: Sign Up and Set Up Your Stash Account

Starting with Stash is simple and hassle-free. Here's how to get started:

1. Download the App- Stash is available for both iOS and Android devices. Head to your app store and download the Stash app.
2. Create Your Account- Enter some basic details, including your name, email address, and Social Security number. This information is required to meet financial regulations and ensure your account’s security.
3. Select a Plan- Stash offers three subscription options: Stash Beginner, Stash Growth, and Stash+. Each plan is tailored to different needs, offering features like retirement accounts or custodial accounts for kids. Choose the one that fits your financial goals.
4. Link Your Bank Account- Connect your bank account to fund your investments. Rest assured—Stash uses bank-level security to keep your financial information safe.

Step 3: Discover Stash’s Investment Themes

Stash simplifies investing by organizing options into thematic categories, allowing you to build a portfolio that aligns with your values. Here are some popular themes to explore:

1. Clean and Green: Support companies championing renewable energy, clean water initiatives, and sustainable practices.
2. Equality Works: Invest in businesses committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
3. Tech Innovators: Back cutting-edge companies at the forefront of technological breakthroughs and innovation.
4. Defense-Free Investing: Avoid companies involved in defense or weapons manufacturing.

Take your time to browse these themes and choose the ones that reflect your principles. Stash offers detailed descriptions for each category, empowering you to make well-informed investment choices.

Step 4: Build Your Portfolio

After identifying your preferred investment themes, it’s time to create your portfolio. Stash makes this simple with pre-built portfolios and the option to invest in individual stocks or ETFs. Here’s how to get started:

Pick a Pre-Built Portfolio:

Stash offers portfolios designed to match various goals and risk levels, from conservative to aggressive growth. These portfolios are diversified, combining a variety of assets to help minimize risk.

Choose Your Own Investments:

Prefer a hands-on approach? Select individual stocks or ETFs that align with your values and goals. With Stash, you can invest in fractional shares, making it easy to get started with as little as $5.

Automate with Auto-Stash:

Set up recurring contributions to automate your investing. This feature helps you stay consistent, a key factor for long-term financial growth.

Step 5: Monitor and Adjust Your Investments

Investing isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it activity—it requires ongoing attention and care. With Stash’s intuitive app, keeping track of your portfolio has never been easier. Regularly reviewing your investments is essential to ensure they align with your evolving goals and values.

Here are a few key strategies for effective portfolio management:

• Rebalance Regularly: As some investments grow faster than others, your portfolio’s balance may shift over time. Rebalancing lets you realign your holdings to maintain your preferred asset allocation.
• Stay Informed: Stay updated on market trends and news that could impact your investments. Stash offers a wealth of educational resources to keep you knowledgeable and confident.
• Adapt to Change: Life evolves, and so do your priorities. Be prepared to adjust your portfolio to reflect new goals or circumstances.

Step 6: Leverage Stash’s Educational Tools

Stash stands out for its dedication to financial education, offering a rich library of resources to empower users. From insightful articles to engaging videos and step-by-step tutorials, the platform equips you with the knowledge needed to make confident, informed investment decisions. Whether you’re just starting out or diving into advanced strategies, Stash provides valuable guidance tailored to every level of expertise.

Step 7: Practice Patience and Consistency

Investing is a journey, not a sprint. Achieving long-term success requires both patience and a disciplined approach. By making regular contributions to your portfolio and remaining aligned with your values, you'll pave the way for steady financial growth while creating a meaningful impact.

Why Choose Stash for Values-Based Investing?

Stash sets itself apart by making values-based investing both accessible and meaningful. With a thematic approach, it empowers users to invest in causes they’re passionate about, while its intuitive interface ensures that investing is simple for everyone. Whether you’re an experienced investor or just beginning your journey, Stash offers the tools and guidance needed to create a portfolio that truly aligns with your principles.

Conclusion:

Embarking on your investment journey with Stash is a meaningful step toward growing your wealth while aligning with your values. By identifying your core principles, exploring Stash’s curated investment themes, and building a well-diversified portfolio, you can work toward achieving your financial goals while contributing to a better world. Remember, investing is a long-term commitment, not a quick race—stay consistent, remain patient, and let Stash support and guide you every step of the way.