Robo advisors

Jon Stein was a pioneer of the robo advice industry, building a $25 billion firm over the past decade.

As it does with savings, the app's algorithm calculates how much users can siphon off their earnings into retirement without missing the funds.

More clients are also looking for financial advice within the custodian’s retail channel, which offers a robo advisor and full-service wealth management arm.

Far from commoditized, digital advisors' performance varies widely, according to new research.

The fintech plans to build out cash, checking, insurance and mortgage products.

The acquisition established a $6 trillion-giant operating as a mutual fund company, RIA custodian, bank, retail brokerage and national wealth management firm.

Unlike many digital advisors, Retirable is not offering investment management or targeting millennials.

It also suggests digital advice providers “have only a few years to achieve critical mass, or they will be sold for parts like Motif and Folio Financial,” says one expert.

Wealthfront gives users more control over their money with automatic transfers to savings accounts or ETFs.

Tools from Betterment, Vestwell and FiduciaryShield make it easy for planners to become retirement plan advisors, but they need to think twice before jumping in.