In today’s world, financial independence is more than a goal—it’s a form of power. And more women than ever are taking control of their money, building wealth, and rewriting the rules of investing. But let’s be honest: the finance world hasn’t always felt welcoming to women, especially women of color.
That’s where a new wave of investing apps comes in. These digital tools are making it easier, safer, and smarter for women to grow their money—on their terms. Whether you’re starting with $5 or managing a growing portfolio, these apps are designed to educate, empower, and inspire.
Here’s a curated list of investing apps that women are actually using—and trusting.
1. Ellevest: Built by Women, for Women
Founded by former Wall Street exec Sallie Krawcheck, Ellevest was designed with one mission in mind: to close the gender investing gap. This app takes into account the unique realities women face—like longer lifespans and career breaks—while offering customized investment portfolios, career coaching, and educational content.
Why Women Love It:
✔️ Female-focused design and messaging
✔️ Transparent fees
✔️ Tools for retirement, emergency funds, and wealth building
✔️ Empowering financial literacy content
“Ellevest speaks my language. It’s not just about money—it’s about freedom,” says Tasha, a 38-year-old entrepreneur from Atlanta.
2. Acorns: Investing Without Thinking About It
Acorns is perfect for women who want to start small and let their money grow behind the scenes. The app rounds up your everyday purchases (like your morning matcha latte) and invests the spare change into a diversified portfolio. It’s a “set it and forget it” approach that adds up over time.
Why Women Love It:
✔️ Effortless investing via round-ups
✔️ No financial jargon
✔️ Features for kids and family saving
✔️ Sustainability investing options
“I didn’t think I could be an investor. Then I checked my Acorns balance after a year—it felt like magic,” says LaShonda, a teacher in Decatur.
3. Stash: Your All-in-One Money Coach
Stash is an investing and banking app that’s all about flexibility and education. You can invest in stocks and ETFs with as little as $1, while also getting personalized guidance on how to grow your money. With Stash, you’re in the driver’s seat, but you’re not alone.
Why Women Love It:
✔️ Fractional shares of big-name companies
✔️ Banking + investing in one app
✔️ Automatic investing features
✔️ Clean, intuitive interface
“Stash made me feel like I belong in the market,” says Simone, a stylist who started investing during the pandemic.
4. Public: Investing with Transparency and Community
Public combines investing with social networking. You can invest in companies and ETFs—and follow other investors to learn from their moves. What sets it apart? No payment-for-order-flow (meaning they don’t sell your trades behind the scenes), and a commitment to transparency.
Why Women Love It:
✔️ Clean, easy-to-use design
✔️ A social feed for learning and sharing
✔️ No hidden fees or confusing fine print
✔️ Values-aligned investing (e.g., women-led companies, clean energy)
“I follow other Black women investors on Public and learn as I go. It’s like a money group chat with purpose,” shares Nia, a tech consultant from Midtown.
5. SoFi: The Power Combo of Investing and Financial Planning
SoFi stands for “Social Finance,” and it’s built for those ready to take a more active role in managing their money. You can invest in stocks, crypto, and retirement accounts, while also accessing free financial advisors, credit score tracking, and even career coaching.
Why Women Love It:
✔️ Access to human advisors (for free)
✔️ Everything from student loans to investing in one platform
✔️ Great for women building long-term strategies
✔️ Cash management and investing in one app
“SoFi helped me go from surviving to thriving financially,” says Jordan, a recent college grad in Buckhead.
What Makes an Investing App Trustworthy?
For Real Women, trust looks like:
- Clarity over confusion
- Education over intimidation
- Security and privacy
- Values that align with our lives
Many of these apps also offer communities, courses, and forums where women can learn and grow together. The bottom line? You don’t have to be a finance guru to start investing—you just need the right tools.
Investing isn’t just for the wealthy or the well-connected. It’s for the woman who’s tired of living paycheck to paycheck. It’s for the mom thinking about college savings. It’s for the entrepreneur building her legacy. It’s for you.
With trusted apps like Ellevest, Acorns, and Stash, building wealth becomes less intimidating and more accessible. So whether you’re starting small or leveling up, know this: You have the power to build the future you deserve.
Real Women invest with intention. Real Women invest with confidence. Now is your time.
Have a favorite app or money tip? Tag us @RealWomenAtlantamagazine and join the conversation.
Written by Za’h Butler
