Navigating your financial landscape effectively is key to achieving your long-term goals. For many, recurring investments are a cornerstone of this strategy, leveraging the power of dollar-cost averaging and consistent growth. But once set up, how do you keep track of these regular contributions on Fidelity? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you always have a clear view of your automated investing efforts.
Ready to gain control over your recurring investments? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Log In to Your Fidelity Account (The Gateway to Your Investments)
The very first step, and arguably the most crucial, is to access your Fidelity account.
Go to the Fidelity Website: Open your preferred web browser and navigate to the official Fidelity Investments website (fidelity.com).
Enter Your Credentials: Locate the "Log In" button, usually in the top right corner of the page. You'll then be prompted to enter your username and password. Ensure you're on a secure connection and be mindful of phishing attempts.
Two-Factor Authentication (if enabled): If you have two-factor authentication (which is highly recommended for security!), you'll likely receive a code on your registered device. Enter this code to complete the login process.
Step 2: Navigate to "Accounts & Trade"
Once you've successfully logged in, you'll land on your personalized Fidelity dashboard. This is your central hub for all your accounts and investment activities.
Locate the Main Navigation Bar: At the top of the page, you'll typically find a black or dark-colored navigation bar.
Hover Over "Accounts & Trade": Move your mouse cursor over the "Accounts & Trade" option. A dropdown menu will appear, revealing various sub-options related to your accounts and trading activities.
Step 3: Access "Account Features" or "Recurring Transfers"
Within the "Accounts & Trade" dropdown, there are a couple of pathways you can take to find your recurring investments. Fidelity often consolidates these under a "Manage" section.
Option A: Via "Account Features"
From the "Accounts & Trade" dropdown, select "Account Features".
On the "Account Features" page, look for a section titled "Payments and transfers" or similar.
Under this heading, you should see "Recurring Transfers" or "Recurring Transfers & Investments" with a "Manage" link next to it. Click on this "Manage" link.
Option B: Directly from "Transfers" (Less Common for Direct Management)
Some users might find a direct "Transfers" option under "Accounts & Trade." While this is primarily for setting up new transfers, it might lead you to a page where you can also view existing recurring activities. However, "Account Features" is generally the more direct route for managing them.
Step 4: View Your Recurring Activity Dashboard
Regardless of the path you took in Step 3, you should now be on a page dedicated to your recurring activities. This is where the magic happens!
Identify Your Recurring Investments: On this page, you'll see a list of all your scheduled recurring transfers and investments. Each entry will typically show:
The account involved.
The type of investment (e.g., Stocks/ETFs, Mutual Funds, Fidelity Basket Portfolios).
The amount being invested.
The frequency (e.g., weekly, bi-weekly, monthly).
The next scheduled date.
Details and Expansion: For a more granular view of a specific recurring investment, look for an arrow or caret icon (often pointing downwards or to the right) next to the basket name or investment entry. Clicking this will expand the details, showing you more information, potentially including:
The specific ticker symbols.
The source of the funds (e.g., linked bank account, core cash position).
The history of past recurring investments for that plan.
Step 5: Utilizing the Fidelity Mobile App (On-the-Go Access)
Fidelity's mobile app offers a convenient way to check your recurring investments while you're away from your desktop.
Download and Log In: Ensure you have the latest version of the Fidelity Mobile App installed on your smartphone or tablet. Log in using your credentials.
Tap the "Transact" Icon: At the bottom of the app screen, you'll find a navigation bar. Look for and tap the "Transact" icon.
Select "Recurring Transfers & Investments": From the "Transact" menu, choose "Recurring Transfers & Investments".
View and Tap for Details: Similar to the website, you'll see a list of your recurring activities. Tap on a specific recurring investment to view its details, including the ability to edit or delete it.
Understanding What You See
Dollar-Cost Averaging in Action: Observing your recurring investments allows you to witness dollar-cost averaging in action. You'll see how consistent investments, regardless of market fluctuations, can help you acquire more shares when prices are low and fewer when prices are high, potentially reducing your average cost over time.
Progress Towards Goals: Regularly checking your recurring investments provides a tangible sense of progress towards your financial goals. Whether it's building a retirement nest egg, saving for a down payment, or funding a child's education, these consistent contributions are the engine of your plan.
Timely Adjustments: Seeing your recurring investments helps you identify if any adjustments are needed. Perhaps your financial situation has changed, or you want to alter the investment allocation. Having this overview makes it easy to make informed decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Fidelity Recurring Investments
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to recurring investments on Fidelity, along with their quick answers:
How to set up recurring investments on Fidelity?
You can set up recurring investments by logging into Fidelity.com, going to "Accounts & Trade" > "Account Features" > "Manage" next to "Recurring Transfers," and then choosing "Create" for a new investment plan. You'll select the security type, account, amount, and frequency.
How to modify recurring investments on Fidelity?
Log in to Fidelity.com, navigate to "Accounts & Trade" > "Account Features" > "Manage" next to "Recurring Transfers." Find the recurring investment you wish to modify, click the arrow or carat next to it to expand details, and then select "Edit."
How to cancel recurring investments on Fidelity?
To cancel, go to "Accounts & Trade" > "Account Features" > "Manage" next to "Recurring Transfers" on Fidelity.com. Expand the details of the recurring investment you want to cancel and look for a "Delete" option. Note that cancellations usually need to be made at least two business days before the scheduled payment date.
How to see the history of my recurring investments on Fidelity?
While there isn't a dedicated "history" button for recurring investments specifically, you can view the transactions in your account's activity or transaction history. Each recurring investment will appear as a purchase on its scheduled date.
How to change the funding source for recurring investments on Fidelity?
When modifying a recurring investment (as described in "How to modify"), you'll typically have the option to change the funding source, whether it's your Fidelity core cash position or a linked bank account.
How to pause a recurring investment on Fidelity?
Currently, Fidelity generally does not support pausing recurring investments. You typically have the options to edit or delete the plan. If you need to skip a single payment, you might have that option within the expanded details of the specific recurring investment plan, but it's not universally available for all plans.
How to set up recurring investments for different types of securities on Fidelity?
Fidelity allows recurring investments for stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and Fidelity Basket Portfolios. When setting up a new recurring investment, you'll be prompted to select the security type.
How to fund a recurring investment from another Fidelity account?
Directly funding a recurring investment from one Fidelity account to another is generally not a single-step process. You would typically set up a recurring transfer from the source Fidelity account to the target Fidelity account's core position, and then set up a separate recurring investment from that core position.
How to check if a recurring investment went through on Fidelity?
You can check your account's "Activity & Orders" or "History" section. Look for a purchase transaction on the scheduled date of your recurring investment. If the funds were debited and shares were purchased, it went through successfully.
How to get notifications for recurring investments on Fidelity?
Fidelity often sends email confirmations or alerts when recurring investments are executed. You can typically manage your notification preferences within your account settings under "Alerts" or "Security Settings."
