Many people feel strongly about the political issues that confront the world today - abortion, environmental protection, and animal testing to name a few. Ironically, millions of investors are supporting companies that partake in activities and donate money to causes that are in direct conflict with their beliefs, ideals, and philosophies.
Regardless of whether your convictions are mainstream or more refined, there is a chance that one or more companies, mutual funds, or wealth management firms conducts its affairs in accordance with those beliefs. By investing in businesses that share your moral, religious, ethical, and political views, you can be sure that your money is doing more than increasing your standard of living - it's shaping the world into the kind of place you think it should be.
Maybe you're concerned about the environment. Light Green Advisors provides investment funds and information on companies that have proven track records for earth-friendly policies. On the same note, Greenmoney.com provides a substantial list of companies that are involved in operations to reduce pollution, convert waste into usable products, and clean up the environment.
Looking for a companies that adhere to Biblical principles? The Noah Mutual Fund (symbol: NOAHX) will not invest money into corporations that are involved in either directly or through subsidiaries, the tobacco, alcoholic beverages, pornographic material, gambling, or abortion industries.
Another great site, srinvest.com provides a list of mutual funds that will meet any criteria you desire. Better yet, moneyandvalues.com allows you to specify issues that are important than you, enter a list of your investments, then will alert you to which of those investments are in conflict with your beliefs.
If you're already heavily vested, should you feel guilty about the investments you own? Probably not. Countless mutual funds have holdings in Philip Morris (symbol: MO), which is one of the most powerful tobacco companies in the world. For years, Kraft was a wholly owned subsidiary of the company, meaning every time you purchased Kraft products at the grocery store, you were putting money in the pockets of big tobacco. If you can live with that, you probably won't have to run out and dump all of your mutual funds.
For more information and sites about socially responsible investing, check out the full subject menu.
