Automating Your Investments for Better Returns: Insights from Jeffrey Ptak at Morningstar

Jeffrey Ptak, managing director at Morningstar, discusses the benefits of automating investments, including improved returns, reduced emotional decision-making, and better results. He defines automation features such as steady paycheck deductions, regular rebalancing, and target date funds. Ptak explains the difference between auto-enrollment and auto-escalation, highlighting their value in reducing bad investor outcomes and promoting consistency. His research has found that automation leads to improved investment results and reduces behavioral errors.