When it comes to investing, it can feel like the world is full of buzzwords: ETFs, robo-advisors, direct indexing… the list goes on. But as I’ve learned while building Plenty, the right tools don’t need to be confusing. Instead, they should make investing easier—especially for couples with different goals, timelines, and risk tolerance.
Direct indexing, tax loss harvesting, and portfolio customization might sound like things only financial pros talk about, but they can actually be game-changers for couples. And here’s the best part: you don’t need to be a market whiz to take advantage of them. It’s all about getting organized, staying aligned, and putting your money to work in ways that feel right for both of you.
What’s direct indexing—and why should couples care?
Direct indexing lets you build a portfolio that mirrors a major index (like the S&P 500) but with a twist: you own the individual stocks directly. This gives you more control—think of it like customizing a pizza. Maybe you want all the same toppings as everyone else but with a few swaps here and there. Owning individual stocks allows couples to personalize their investments based on shared values—whether that means avoiding fossil fuels or prioritizing companies with strong environmental practices.
At Plenty, we’ve found that direct indexing works especially well for couples who want to feel connected to where their money is going. It’s no longer about handing over your savings and hoping for the best—it’s about making decisions together, ensuring your money aligns with your goals and beliefs.
Tax loss harvesting: the secret to smarter savings
Ever heard the saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade?” That’s basically the idea behind tax loss harvesting. In simple terms, it’s a strategy that allows you to sell investments at a loss to offset gains elsewhere—helping you reduce your tax bill. And let’s be honest, saving on taxes is always a win.
For couples, this strategy can make a big difference. Maybe one of you has a side hustle or investments that are doing well, while the other has stocks that didn’t perform as expected. Tax loss harvesting allows you to balance things out and keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket.
And the best part? With tools like Plenty, the whole process is automated. You don’t need to track every stock or agonize over when to sell—tax loss harvesting happens behind the scenes, giving you peace of mind and more time to focus on the things that matter (like date night).
Customization: because one size doesn’t fit all
The truth is, no two couples are alike—so why should your investments be? Customization is key to building a portfolio that fits your unique needs and priorities. Maybe you’re saving for a dream home while your partner is thinking about early retirement. Or perhaps one of you is more risk-averse than the other. With customization, you can create an investment plan that meets you both where you are.
Amplifying your investing strategy with a prenup
You’re carefully crafting your investment strategy with direct indexing, tax loss harvesting, and customized portfolios – that’s fantastic! But here’s another powerful tool to add to your arsenal: a prenup. A prenup can actually complement your investment approach and solidify your financial partnership. Here’s how:
- Protecting Your Individualized Investments: Direct indexing allows you to personalize your investment portfolio. A prenup can protect those individualized assets, ensuring that your carefully curated investments remain yours in the event of a separation.
- Clarity on Joint Investments: If you two share any investments, ensuring how these assets are split up in case of a separation is important. Will it be 50-50, according to contribution, or something else?
- Financial Transparency: In order to have the best investment strategy together, you need to have open communication and a true understanding of each other’s finances. A prenup encourages financial transparency from the start through a process known as “financial disclosure.” This bolsters trust and understanding between partners.
Investing together just got easier
If the idea of direct indexing or tax loss harvesting feels overwhelming, don’t worry. You don’t need to be an expert to make smart financial decisions as a couple. What matters most is finding tools that keep things simple and aligned with your shared goals.
Plenty makes it easy to get organized and stay on top of your investments. Whether you’re just starting out or already on your way to building wealth, our platform gives you the flexibility to grow together—without the headache.
Because, in the end, investing isn’t just about money. It’s about building a life together, with the freedom to dream, plan, and grow at your own pace. And when you have the right tools, those dreams are just a little closer to reality.
Emily Luk, CPA, CA, CFA. Emily is the CEO and co-founder of Plenty. Started by a husband and wife team, Plenty is a wealth platform built for modern couples to invest and plan towards their future, together. Previously, she was VP of Strategy and Operations at Even (acquired by Walmart/One) as they scaled to support millions of individuals and move billions of dollars. Before that, she was a founding team member of Stripe’s Growth and Finance & Strategy teams. She began her career as a VC, and was one of the youngest nationally to complete both her CPA and CFA designations.
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