Nobody should tell you what your beliefs should be, but wouldn’t it be great to truly be able to act upon what it is that you’ve decided is important. Regarding your investments, the first step is making the decision that you do indeed want to be sure that they don’t conflict with your values or beliefs. At that point, find an advisor qualified in the area of Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) and allow them to show you what can be done. Such an advisor will have the proper tools to screen your existing holdings and determine their suitability according to your expressed desires.
When looking for conflicts, your desires will be discussed regarding things that you do not want to support. You can choose to have no involvement at all or maybe you are okay with having some exposure as a limited percentage. The types of things you can avoid supporting with your investments include but are not limited to: adult entertainment, alcohol, animal welfare, human rights, nuclear power, stem cell research, and military involvement.
Once you’ve decided what to avoid, you can make minor adjustments within your current portfolio or choose to move completely to any one of a number of opportunities that focus more precisely on what you wish to support. Your holdings would then be screened regularly and any new purchases would be scrutinized before being added. With better technology now available, there is no reason that you should not explore the option of allowing your money to support your beliefs. Give it a try. You might discover that there is something available that fits your needs.
To find out more about this useful, yet underutilized tool, please join us at our upcoming seminar scheduled for Wednesday, November 12 at Residence Inn by Marriott, located 25320 The Old Road south of Lyons Avenue, at 12 noon (includes lunch) or 6 p.m. (includes dinner). To R.S.V.P. please call 661-255-9555 ext. 12.
For general investment questions, please contact Jerry R. Citarella, RFC, Financial Professional, and founder of Infinity Wealth Management, at 661-255-9555, ext. 11.