Many people start investing through micro-investing apps. They’re simple, accessible, and great for building confidence. But what happens when you’re ready for more?

Some investors shift entirely into buying shares. And some build a direct share portfolio alongside it. That’s what we’re here to explore. Not to tell you what to do, but to look at why some people choose to micro-invest and invest in shares at the same time.

Because it doesn’t have to be either/or. For some, doing both fits their goals, budget or mindset better than sticking to one alone.

Combine set-and-forget investing with hands-on control

If you’re juggling work, bills, and trying to build good money habits , simple investing can be very appealing. That’s where micro-investing can find its appeal. It’s automatic, low effort, and can fit neatly into your life without needing constant attention. You can round up your spare change or set small weekly contributions. Once it's up and running, it quietly builds in the background.

This can become a “core” investing strategy. It ticks along without pressure, which can be a relief when you’ve got enough on your plate. But for some, it might not feel like enough. They have specific interests and values they want to align their investing with, and that requires more control.

Enter: direct share investing . You decide what to invest in, how much, and when. It's more hands-on, but also more flexible.

Some investors combine both from the start. They use micro-investing for consistency and buy individual shares to explore their interests or ideas. This approach can fall under the category of a core-satellite strategy :

• Core : micro-investing into broad market funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for steady progress
• Satellite : individual shares added for more customisation

It’s not about doing more for the sake of it, but finding a balance that feels right between automation and involvement, ease and choice.

Work towards different goals with different tools

It’s completely normal to have more than one financial goal at a time. Maybe you’re dreaming of a beach holiday in the next year. But you’re also thinking about building long-term wealth.

These goals have very different investing horizons . That’s why some people split their investing approach based on their goals.

Micro-investing can be a helpful way to work towards smaller goals. It’s automatic, consistent, and doesn’t require large sums to get started. Shares may suit those who want to be more involved or take a longer-term view.

Let’s say someone is saving for a "fun fund" in early retirement. They use a micro-investing app to round up everyday purchases and contribute $20 weekly. It’s small, steady, and easy to stick with.

At the same time, they’ve started building a share portfolio with a long-term investing focus. They add to it when possible, aiming to grow wealth over decades to eventually fund the essential living in retirement.

In this hypothetical case, the two strategies serve different purposes:

• Micro-investing seeks to achieve smaller goals, like socialising in retirement.
• Shares work to support larger ambitions, such as Financial Independence

Not every goal needs the same strategy. And not every strategy needs to work on its own. Sometimes, combining approaches can give you more flexibility and confidence to move towards what matters most — on your timeline.

Mix investing styles to fit a fluctuating budget

Budgets aren’t always predictable. Some months feel manageable, others feel stretched. And that can make it tough to invest consistently.

You might want to build good investing habits but feel like you can’t commit to regular large amounts. That’s completely understandable. That’s where mixing investing styles can help. You don’t need a perfect budget to get started. You just need a way to work with what you’ve got.

Micro-investing round-ups are one option. They automatically invest small amounts, often without you noticing. This keeps money going into your portfolio, even in tighter months. Then, when you have more breathing room (like after a tax refund) you might choose to invest a larger amount into shares.

For example, someone might use micro-investing to invest small amounts weekly. When their freelance income picks up, they add $500 to their share portfolio.

This approach offers two key benefits:

• Consistency, even during unpredictable times
• Flexibility, so you can do more when you’re ready

As we’ve said, investing doesn’t have to follow a single path. You can build momentum by combining methods that fit with real life, not just ideal scenarios.

Gradual transition from micro-investing to shares

Starting with micro-investing can feel less intimidating. It’s straightforward, low-touch, and doesn’t require deep investing knowledge. But as your confidence grows, so might your curiosity. You might start asking questions about where your money’s going or wonder what else is out there.

That’s when some investors begin exploring shares. Not by dropping micro-investing entirely, but by gradually adding direct shares alongside it. This can feel like a natural next step rather than a big leap. You’re still building your portfolio — just with more choice and involvement.

For example, someone might continue using micro-investing to invest in a mix of funds, while slowly buying shares in a few individual companies they believe in. This way, micro-investing offers continued diversification and consistency. And shares provide a space to learn, grow, and experiment.

Keep things simple while still being curious

You don’t have to go all-in on shares to be an investor. Wanting to keep things simple is perfectly okay.

Not everyone has the time or interest to manage a full DIY portfolio. That doesn’t mean you’re not engaged or paying attention. You might still feel curious about individual companies. Maybe there’s one you’ve followed for years or a brand you genuinely believe in.

One option is to keep most of your portfolio in a micro-investing platform, where it runs on autopilot. Then, you can buy a small number of individual shares in companies you care about or want to understand better. This keeps things manageable. You stay consistent with your main micro-investing strategy while exploring direct shares at your own pace.

Diversify platforms or providers

When you're getting started, it’s natural to stick with one platform. It keeps things simple and easy to manage. But over time, you might find that one platform doesn’t offer everything you’re looking for.

That’s why some investors choose to spread their investments across multiple platforms. Not just for investment diversification, but to make their setup work better for them.

For example, someone might use a micro-investing platform for its automation , then buy shares through a platform with lower brokerage fees. This approach can give you more flexibility and control. You’re not locked into a single app or system.

As we’ve said, it’s about finding what fits your goals, comfort level, and preferences. If that means using more than one platform, that’s completely valid.

Make it your own

There’s no single way to invest. And no rule that says you have to choose one path over another. Whether you choose micro-investing or shares (or both) depends on what feels right for you. Your objectives, budget, and interests might shift over time and your investing approach can shift with it.

So if you’re thinking about micro-investing and shares, you don’t have to choose one or the other. You can shape your approach around what matters to you now — and adjust as you go.

Keep it steady. Keep it manageable. And let it work for your life.