Published: January 7, 2026.

Last Update: July 16, 2026.

A manual portfolio gives you full control over your holdings. Unlike a linked brokerage account, positions must be added, updated, and closed by hand. Any time you enter or exit a trade, you’ll update your portfolio to keep it accurate. The same goes for the cash balance.

Let’s walk through the process step by step.

Step 1: Navigate to the Manage Tab

1. Go to My Portfolios.
2. Select the Manage tab located below.

Screenshot taken from a Platinum account on Jul. 16, 2026.

Think of the Manage tab as your virtual filing cabinet. This is where all portfolios are created, organized, and maintained. Portfolios can be categorized as:

• Investment portfolios, or
• Watch Only portfolios.

Step 2: Add a New Portfolio (Manually)

Click the green Add Portfolio button.

You’ll see three portfolio creation options.

For this guide, focus on:

Add Manually

This option allows you to create a portfolio and enter each position yourself, one at a time.

Step 3: Name and Configure Your Portfolio

Portfolio Name and Type

• Enter a portfolio name.
• Select the portfolio type:
• • Investment, or
  • Watch Only.

Portfolio Settings

Below the portfolio type, click the link to open Portfolio Settings. Here you can:

• Choose the currency used to display overall portfolio values
  Note: This does not convert individual positions. Each position displays in its traded currency.
• Add entry and exit commissions.
• Include a cash value for the portfolio.
• Use the Notes field to add an optional description.

Step 4: Add Positions Manually

Select the Asset Type

Before entering a ticker symbol, select the asset type. It defaults to Stock, but depending on your TradeSmith subscription, you may also choose:

• Stock
• Crypto
• Options

Enter Ticker Symbols

• Enter the ticker symbol or company name in the Ticker field.
• After adding your first ticker, a new row automatically appears, allowing you to continue adding positions.

Enter Trade Details

For each position, you can enter:

• Buy Date
• Buy Price
• Quantity

These fields are optional—you may leave them blank and fill them in later.

When selecting a Buy Date:

• A calendar will appear for easy selection, or
• You can type the date manually using mm/dd/yyyy format.

Note: If you’re entering trades after a weekend or market holiday, the buy date will default to the previous Friday, along with the most recent closing price.

Position Details

• Add share size to track gains and losses over time.
• Choose the position type to indicate whether the trade is long or short.

Step 5: Save Your Manual Portfolio

When you’re finished:

1. Click the Save Portfolio button in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
2. You’ll be prompted to add alerts.

You can add alerts now or later. Keep in mind that TradeSmith offers a wide range of alerts designed to help keep you informed and protected.

Need Help?

Our Customer Success team is ready to assist:

• Phone: 1-866-385-2076 (toll-free)
• Email: [email protected]

💡 Pro Tip

If you already have a spreadsheet or Excel document with your positions, consider using the Upload CSV File option instead of manual entry—it can save you significant time.

Thank you for your attention!

You’re now ready to create and manage your portfolios in TradeSmith Finance confidently.

*Note—The tabs and features you see on your TradeSmith Finance site will vary based on your subscription(s) and subscription level(s).