Do you need a financial advisor to start investing or can you do it yourself?

Some people want to research a stock themselves, place the order themselves, and own every decision. Others would rather have someone to call when they're not sure what to do next. Then there are those who simply prefer a more hands-off experience and want a dedicated point of contact to assist with execution when needed. Neither approach is wrong, and that's where choosing the right account type can make a difference.

This article is for educational purposes only and should not be treated as investment advice. Investors should consult an independent financial advisor before making investment decisions.

What does "Do It Yourself" actually involve?

With a Do It Yourself account, you get full access to the broker's trading platform, research calls, and reports, but you're the one placing every order and making every call. Nobody executes a trade on your behalf. This suits people who enjoy the research side of investing, or who already have some experience and just want a platform and data to work with.

What does RM Assist actually give you that DIY doesn't?

RM Assist includes everything in the DIY plan, platform access and research, plus a dedicated Relationship Manager you can call. Your RM can place trades on your behalf, support transactions, and walk you through new products or opportunities as they come up. For someone who finds the platform intimidating or simply doesn't have the time to sit and place orders themselves, this removes a lot of the friction.

Is RM Assist the same as getting investment advice?

Not quite, and this distinction matters. A Relationship Manager helps with execution, support, and product information. It's a service layer on top of your account, not a personalised financial advisory relationship. Chola Securities, like most brokers, does not provide investment advisory services as defined under SEBI's Investment Advisers Regulations, 2013. If you're looking for a financial plan built around your specific goals, that's a separate service from RM Assist, and it's worth speaking with an independent financial advisor.

How do you decide which one fits you?

A few honest questions help more than any feature list.

• Do you enjoy researching stocks and funds yourself, or does it feel like a chore?
• Do you have the time to sit down and place trades when you want to act on something?
• Would you rather call someone when you're unsure, or figure it out on your own?
• Are you comfortable navigating a trading app and platform without guidance?

If you answered yes to the first two, DIY is likely the more natural fit. If the idea of a dedicated person to call sounds like a relief rather than an inconvenience, RM Assist is worth considering.

Comparing Do It Yourself and RM Assist

What does each option cost?

Both DIY and RM Assist are offered across more than one plan tier, and each comes with a one-time account activation charge, plus an introductory period of reduced or zero brokerage before standard rates apply. Exact charges and durations change over time, so rather than quoting figures here that could go stale, it's worth checking the current pricing page before you decide.

Final thoughts

Neither DIY nor RM Assist is objectively better; they're built for different ways of investing. If you already enjoy the research and don't mind placing your own orders, DIY keeps things simple and cost-effective. If you'd rather have someone in your corner while you learn the ropes, RM Assist adds that layer of support. Either way, you can choose your plan at the point of opening your account.

You can open an account and pick the plan that suits you through the KYC portal.

Disclaimer: Cholamandalam Securities Limited (CSEC) is a SEBI-registered stock broker and depository participant. CSEC does not provide investment advisory services. Investors are advised to consult an independent financial advisor before taking any investment decisions.