Learn how to build, add, and manage Custom Pies within your M1 portfolio. This article covers what Pies are, why you might want multiple or nested Pies, step-by-step instructions for creating and investing in Custom Pies, use cases for advanced portfolio management, and best practices for maintaining multiple Pies over time.
What Is a Pie and why use multiple or Custom Pies?
A Pie on M1 is a visual portfolio structure that organizes your investments into “Slices”—each Slice can be a stock, ETF, cryptocurrency, or even another Pie (called a sub-Pie or Custom Pie).
Custom Pies give you greater flexibility and control over how you diversify and organize your investments.
Note: Cryptocurrency and equities cannot be combined into a single account. Crypto assets will be held in a separate account. Learn more about opening a Crypto account.
Benefits of multiple or nested Pies:
Organize by strategy or goal: Create different Pies for aggressive growth, income, or sector allocation.
Simplify rebalancing: Group related investments, making portfolio adjustments easier.
Goal-based investing: Set up Pies for various goals (retirement, emergency fund, dividends, etc.).
Experiment safely: Build out Custom Pies and add them to your portfolio when you’re ready.
Use cases for Custom Pies
Sector allocation: Build a Custom Pie for each sector (Tech, Healthcare, etc.) and allocate by your preference.
Thematic investing: Create a Pie for specific themes, like ESG, crypto, or international markets.
Nested/“Sub-Pie” approach: Use Pies within Pies to manage complex strategies with less manual tracking.
System limitations and considerations
There is no strict limit to the number of Custom Pies you can create or add, but portfolio complexity and clarity should be kept in mind for effective management.
Each Pie (including Custom Pies) must have allocations that total 100%.
Currently, only stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, and other Pies can be used as Slices.
How to create a Custom Pie
Go to the Research tab and select “My Pies.”
Select “Build a stock-and-fund Pie” or “Build a crypto Pie.”
Use the Pie creation tool to “Add Slices” to your Custom Pie.
Assign percentage weights to each Slice. The Pie must total 100%.
Save Your Custom Pie
Note: Your Custom Pie will be saved in the “My Pies” section but not yet added to your portfolio.
How to add your Custom Pie to your portfolio
Go to Your Portfolio
In the Invest tab, select “Portfolio.”
Edit Your Portfolio
Select “Edit.”
On mobile, swipe up at the screen bottom to access “Edit.”
Add a New Slice
Tap the blue “Add Slice” button.
Select Your Custom Pie
Choose “My Pies” at the top, then pick the Custom Pie to add.
Finalize Pie Addition
Tap “Done.”
Set Allocation and Save
Set the target allocation for the Custom Pie and ensure total Pie allocations equal 100%. Save your changes.
Funding and rebalancing with multiple Pies
When you add a Custom Pie as a Slice, M1 will automatically include it (and its underlying holdings) in all future trading, funding, and rebalancing events.
Deposits, withdrawals, and portfolio rebalancing will flow through your Pie structure to reach your set allocation targets.
Adjusting the target weight of a Custom Pie changes how future funds are distributed among all holdings.
Managing multiple or nested Pies over time
Regularly review your Pies and overall portfolio allocations to ensure alignment with your goals.
You can edit, remove, or add Pies/Slices at any time to reflect changes in your strategy.
Custom Pies can be easily re-balanced, duplicated, or used as templates for other strategies.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have more than two Custom Pies in my portfolio?
Yes, you can add multiple Custom Pies or sub-Pies to your portfolio.
Can I have a Custom Pie with both equities and cryptocurrency?
No, crypto assets are held in an account separate from equites.
How does adding a Custom Pie affect my portfolio’s allocation?
Adding a Pie as a Slice includes all its underlying holdings at the target allocation you set for that Slice; all holdings are automatically factored into your portfolio’s overall allocation and rebalancing.
What happens to my investments if I remove a Custom Pie?
Removing a Custom Pie triggers the sale of its underlying assets, with proceeds distributed to the rest of your portfolio based on your target allocations.
Can I change or edit a Custom Pie after adding it to my portfolio?
Yes, you can edit any Custom Pie in “My Pies.” Changes will update everywhere that Pie is used in your portfolio.
For more on organizing your account, visit the full Help Center or contact M1 Client Success for personalized guidance.
All examples above are for informational purposes and should not be considered an offer to buy or sell certain securities. M1 does not provide investment advice.
Brokerage accounts on the M1 platform are either fully disclosed to APEX Clearing or cleared through M1 Finance LLC. Please look at your account statement to determine how your account is cleared.
All investing involves risk, including the risk of losing the money you invest. Past performance does not guarantee future performance. Using margin can add to these risks. Users utilizing APEX cleared margin accounts should review the APEX margin account risk disclosure before borrowing. Users utilizing M1 cleared margin accounts should review the M1 margin account risk disclosure before borrowing. M1 Margin Loans are available on margin accounts with at least $2,000 invested per account. Not available for Retirement or Custodial accounts. Margin rates may vary.
Brokerage products and services are offered by M1 Finance LLC, Member FINRA / SIPC, and a wholly owned subsidiary of M1 Holdings, Inc.
This content was generated using artificial intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. While reasonable efforts are made to ensure accuracy, AI-generated outputs may omit key context; and should not be construed as financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Users should independently verify all information and consult a qualified professional before making any financial decisions.
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