Saving for retirement isn't always straightforward, but certain tools can ease the burden. Here are four essential resources to help you invest wisely.

Blooom

This innovative tool reviews your 401(k) with a specialized algorithm and guidance from licensed experts. You might wonder, "Why is it necessary to adjust my 401(k)? I thought I just had to set contributions and let it grow?"

Not quite. Simply leaving cash isn't enough; your funds need to be actively invested, as a money market fund is merely cash.

Blooom updates your account within 30 days of enrollment and continues to make adjustments. Plus, you don't have to transfer your 401(k) — just link it with Blooom.

The service evaluates your 401(k) investments, pointing out issues such as hidden fees or imbalanced risk. It then recommends a more suitable investment mix, aimed at lowering fees. Blooom manages your account and adjusts your investments according to market shifts.

Monthly fees for Blooom are $10.

Betterment

As a top player in the robo-advisory field, Betterment charges fees between 0.25% and 0.40%, which are competitive for the industry.

This platform suits those with limited initial funds, as its basic plan, Betterment Digital, has no minimum deposit requirement. However, the Betterment Premium plan necessitates at least $100,000 to participate.

You can manage various accounts like taxable accounts, IRAs, and 401(k)s with Betterment, along with features like Smart Deposit and RetireGuide.

Betterment's strategy emphasizes diversification, utilizing ETFs across up to 12 asset classes. Your investments align with your risk appetite and financial objectives.

The tool regularly checks if your account needs rebalancing, making it a great time-saver.

Acorns

If you've always wanted to invest but hesitated, Acorns can help. This platform promotes micro-investing, allowing you to invest small amounts regularly to build wealth gradually.

Here's how it operates: link your spending accounts to Acorns. As you shop, Acorns rounds up your purchases to the nearest dollar, investing the difference. For example, a $4.65 latte leads to a 35-cent investment, contributing to your net worth growth. Your funds are diversified across 7,000 stocks and bonds, and you can set up recurring or one-time investments.

Acorns is particularly beneficial for those who enjoy shopping and find traditional saving challenging. It cleverly utilizes your spending habits to promote investment.

Monthly fees for Acorns are $1 if your investments are under $5,000.