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How DIY Investing Adds Value to Your Portfolio

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Nupur Wankhede

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DIY (Do-It-Yourself) investing refers to the practice of managing your own investments without relying on financial advisors or portfolio managers. In today’s digital era, individuals have access to abundant resources, tools, and platforms that make DIY investing not only feasible but also rewarding. This article discusses the benefits of DIY investing, key considerations, and how it can contribute meaningfully to building your wealth over time.

What Is DIY Investing

DIY investing involves independently researching, selecting, and managing your investments—whether in stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, or bonds—using your own judgement and available information.

Unlike traditional models where an advisor or wealth manager makes decisions on your behalf, DIY investors actively manage their own portfolios, often through online brokerages or mobile apps. This approach promotes financial independence, encourages learning, and puts the investor in direct control.

How does investing in DIY investments work?

  • Involves managing one’s own portfolio without financial advisors.

  • Starts with opening a trading or demat account on online platforms.

  • Investors set goals, choose asset classes, and make independent decisions.

  • Offers control and potential cost savings by avoiding advisory fees.

  • Requires ongoing research, discipline, and regular monitoring.

Advantages of DIY Investing

Cost Efficiency

DIY investors save on management and advisory fees, which over time can significantly improve net returns. Most online platforms charge minimal fees or flat brokerage for transactions, leading to lower overheads.

Full Control and Customisation

Investors choose where, how much, and when to invest. Portfolios can be tailored to individual financial goals, risk tolerance, and market views without third-party influence.

Transparency

All decisions are made by the investor, and there is complete visibility into transactions, holdings, and costs.

Learning and Skill Building

DIY investing is an educational journey. Investors gradually learn to analyse financial statements, understand market trends, and manage risks effectively.

Long-Term Focus

With no external pressure, DIY investors are more likely to stick to disciplined, long-term strategies, avoiding frequent churn or unnecessary trades.

Tools That Enable DIY Investing

Several digital tools and platforms empower investors to make informed decisions and manage their portfolios effectively.

Tool Type

Examples

Use Case

Trading Platforms

Zerodha, Groww, Upstox, Bajaj Markets (partner apps)

Execute trades in equities and ETFs

Research Portals

NSE, BSE, Moneycontrol, Screener

Access stock data, ratios, and news

Portfolio Trackers

ET Money, INDmoney, TickerTape

Track and analyse investments

Financial Calculators

CAGR, SIP, tax, and goal calculators

Plan and evaluate financial goals

These tools make it easier to monitor asset allocation, evaluate stock fundamentals, and assess performance.

How DIY Investing Adds Long-Term Value

Helps Develop Financial Discipline

When you manage your own portfolio, you're more likely to stay focused on financial goals, save regularly, and stick to your investment plan even in volatile markets.

Encourages Rational Decision-Making

DIY investors tend to make decisions based on analysis, not emotion or third-party hype. This reduces panic-based exits and impulsive entries.

Builds a Personal Investment Philosophy

Over time, investors develop a unique approach to risk, return, and market cycles—be it value investing, passive indexing, or sector-specific strategies.

Aligns with Your Risk Appetite

No one understands your financial situation better than you. DIY investing allows for precise risk management based on your own income, obligations, and life stage.

Risks to Consider in DIY Investing

Lack of Expertise

Beginners may struggle to interpret financial data correctly or select suitable instruments. This risk can be mitigated through regular learning and using trustworthy resources.

Behavioural Biases

DIY investors are prone to cognitive biases such as overconfidence, herd mentality, and loss aversion. A rational, rules-based approach is key.

Time and Effort

Research and monitoring require time. Investors must stay updated on market news, earnings reports, and macroeconomic indicators.

Despite these challenges, with patience and practice, DIY investors can build strong financial literacy and make better investment choices.

Getting Started with DIY Investing

Step 1: Define Your Financial Goals

Establish clear, measurable goals—such as retirement, house purchase, or child’s education.

Step 2: Choose the Right Asset Mix

Decide your asset allocation across equity, debt, gold, and other classes based on risk tolerance and timeline.

Step 3: Open a Demat and Trading Account

Select a reliable broker offering low costs and good research tools.

Step 4: Learn Continuously

Use trusted sources like exchange websites, investor education portals, and financial news outlets to deepen your understanding.

Step 5: Monitor and Rebalance Periodically

Track portfolio performance and realign investments annually or as required based on changing goals or market conditions.

Who Should Consider DIY Investing

DIY investing is well-suited for individuals who:

  • Are willing to take time to learn financial concepts

  • Prefer autonomy over delegation

  • Are comfortable with using online platforms and digital tools

  • Have long-term investment goals and moderate risk appetite

Even if you start small, the experience you gain through self-directed investing can compound significantly over time—just like your money.

Conclusion

DIY investing offers a sense of ownership and empowerment that few other financial strategies provide. With the right knowledge, discipline, and tools, managing your own portfolio can lead to not only cost savings but also greater confidence and alignment with your financial goals. While it requires time and effort, the long-term value of DIY investing lies in financial independence and informed decision-making.

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and the same should not be construed as investment advice. Bajaj Finserv Direct Limited shall not be liable or responsible for any investment decision that you may take based on this content.

FAQs

Is DIY investing better than using a financial advisor?

It depends on your confidence, time commitment, and financial knowledge. DIY investing gives control but requires effort, whereas advisors offer convenience and guidance.

No. Many platforms allow investments starting from as low as ₹100 in mutual funds or ETFs.

Yes. With a demat and trading account, you can invest independently in stocks using digital platforms.

Learn continuously, avoid emotional decisions, maintain diversification, and track your portfolio regularly.

Mistakes are part of the learning process. Limit the risk by diversifying and avoiding large bets until you’re more experienced.

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Hi! I’m Nupur Wankhede
BSE Insitute Alumni

With a Postgraduate degree in Global Financial Markets from the Bombay Stock Exchange Institute, Nupur has over 8 years of experience in the financial markets, specializing in investments, stock market operations, and project management. She has contributed to process improvements, cross-functional initiatives & content development across investment products. She bridges investment strategy with execution, blending content insight, operational efficiency, and collaborative execution to deliver impactful outcomes.

Academy by Bajaj Markets

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