DIY vs personalised investing: Find the strategy that fits you

Both approaches can help you reach your investment objectives, but they require different levels of time commitment, knowledge and emotional discipline. Understanding these will help you choose the path that suits you best.

Published on 8 January 2026

3 min read

One of the first big decisions for new investors looking to build wealth is whether to manage their own portfolio or seek help from a professional. An investment adviser can put together a personalised portfolio, while DIY investors pick out their own funds and shares based on information they personally gather and choose when to buy and sell.

Why choose a personalised portfolio?

A personalised portfolio is customised and convenient. It is personalised to your needs and put together by a SEBI Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) who is qualified, regulated and obliged to do what is right for you.

Key benefits

• Personalisation: The content of a personalised portfolio reflects your individual circumstances. For example, a 25-year-old saving for a house will need a different investment mix to someone in their forties planning for retirement. Your investment objectives, time horizon and risk tolerance are all considered when a blend of assets is chosen, so that the overall mix is optimised for you.

• Convenience: Investment decisions require a broad information base and are difficult to make. Not everyone enjoys tracking markets or adjusting portfolios. When an adviser is monitoring your investments for you, you can relax and focus on your personal and professional life, knowing your money is in safe hands. They are also likely to use advanced research tools that individuals may not have access to.

• Emotional discipline: Investing can be stressful, especially when markets are volatile. Working with a professional helps you stay calm and stick to your plan, which can significantly improve long-term outcomes.

Why DIY?

Do-it-yourself investing, puts you in direct control. You choose your own stocks or funds and decide when to buy or sell. With the rise of online platforms and low-cost brokers in India, DIY investing is more accessible than ever.

Key benefits

Control and independence: If you don’t like to delegate and prefer making your own decisions, DIY investing may respond to your needs better. Flexibility: You can act quickly on opportunities, adjust your portfolio at will and experiment with different strategies. Cost efficiency: You save on advisory fees, keeping more of your money invested.

Staying committed

Because you do it yourself, DIY investing comes with challenges. Investors who choose this path need to be able to resist emotional impulses, which often result in buying high and selling low during market swings. Discipline is also needed to follow a long-term plan, along with the ability to navigate a vast array of investment options without falling for the next big thing.

Choosing between the two

The right approach depends on your investing skill and available time. Your access to tools to help you create and manage your portfolio efficiently is also likely to be a factor.

• DIY investing may work for you if you have time to do detailed research and are willing to learn. You also need to be able to monitor your portfolio regularly and maintain investment discipline through market fluctuations.

• Personalised portfolios are ideal if financial jargon feels overwhelming, you have limited time or you are happy to delegate oversight to a professional, who will offer you the benefit of years of experience.

Smart investing starts with action

Whichever option you choose, the fundamentals of successful investing remain the same: start early, contribute consistently, diversify to manage risk and stay patient through market ups and downs.

If you are unsure, consider consulting an RIA registered with SEBI for a personalised plan based on your objectives, risk appetite and time horizon. You can change how much control you wish to take over time. The key is not to delay, every day your wait results is a day your money has not had a chance to grow.

Bottom line: Choose what works for you

Choosing between a personalised portfolio and DIY investing ultimately comes down to your knowledge, confidence, time and interest in managing money. If you value convenience, professional guidance and emotional discipline, a personalised portfolio offers peace of mind and a tailored approach. On the other hand, if you enjoy research, want full control and are prepared to stay disciplined through market ups and downs, DIY investing can be rewarding and cost-effective. If you’re uncertain, seeking advice from a SEBI-registered investment adviser can help you make an informed decision aligned with your investment objectives.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only.