SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS INVESTMENT
If you want to align your investments with your values,
we help you evaluate your options.
It's probably safe to say that, like many people, you want to have
a positive impact on the world around you. You contribute to charities.
You donate your time. Some of you want to support socially conscious
companies by investing in them. That's why the portfolio design options
offered by Financial Connections include mutual funds classified
as Socially Conscious Investing (SCI) or Socially Responsible Investing
(SRI).
SCI is in the eye of the beholder.
SCI means different things to different people. Some don't want
mutual funds to invest in companies that make and sell cigarettes,
alcohol, or firearms. Others want their funds to invest in companies
that engage in ethical business and employment practices. The SCI
funds that we recommend meet at least some of the following criteria:
• Pro-choice
• Non-discriminatory
based on gender, race, lifestyle
• Environmentally
responsible
• Support
community involvement
• Promote
product safety
• Promote
positive employee and workplace policies
• Against
firearms manufacturing
We also evaluate these funds by analyzing such factors as style
of investing, approach to buying and selling company stocks, performance
against peer funds, volatility, expenses, and tax efficiency.
SCI investing presents both risk and opportunity.
Most SCI funds that meet our standards are growth-oriented. As a result,
an all-SCI portfolio isn't for everyone, such as investors who seek
lower volatility. If you are interested in considering SCI investing
in your portfolio, we would be happy to meet with you to discuss the
issues, risks, and potential opportunities.
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