Socially Responsible Investing

[BrentRobison85]

I have finally reached the point, at the age of 34, where I have the additional funds to try my hand at investing. I am very conscious when it comes to corporate social responsibility, and who I choose to spend my money with, but I am having a difficult time finding investment firms (with the exception of WealthSimple) that focus exclusively on socially and environmentally responsible investment options. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

[tagteam]

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@BrentRobison85 wrote:
...I am having a difficult time finding investment firms (with the exception of WealthSimple)....

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That firm charges management fees rather than commissions. What you most likely want is a low-commission (or no commission) broker and some "socially responsible" ETFs and/or mutual funds (aka SRIs). The links below will get you started.

https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2018-ten-funds-with-a-conscience/

https://money.usnews.com/investing/slideshows/7-of-the-best-socially-responsible-funds

https://www.kiplinger.com/article/investing/T041-C009-S002-7-great-socially-responsible-mutual-funds...

https://www.morningstar.com/articles/786061/finding-great-funds-that-have-top-sustainability-r.html

[marketstar99]

You have raised a very good question, and you are to be commended for wanting to be part of a solution.

It would appear from the links above that the Vanguard FTSE Social Index Fund (VFTSX) would be your most efficient, one fund answer.

If you like the idea of investing in alternative/clean energy, consider the following fund: Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy (PBW)
See https://investorplace.com/2019/05/5-clean-energy-etfs-to-buy-for-2019/

Finally, the above two market sectors should be part of a diversified portfolio. The easiest way to add diversity to your portfolio is Vanguard’s Total Market Index Fund (VTSMX), ETF symbol VTI. This fund covers all market sectors

Marketstar

[tagteam]

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@marketstar99 wrote:

Finally, the above two market sectors should be part of a diversified portfolio. The easiest way to add diversity to your portfolio is Vanguard’s Total Market Index Fund (VTSMX), ETF symbol VTI. This fund covers all market sectors

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I hope you will agree that a diversified portfolio would typically include some fixed income investments as well, even if that percentage is relative small when compared to the equities held.

https://etfdb.com/themes/vanguard-bond-etfs/

[markgrogan]

Investment is a huge commitment that deals with a lot of money. Your hard-earned savings could all go down the drain should you channel them towards the wrong platform. It is best to consult a legit institution rather than doing your own research.

[bobweissman]

I have invested for years in the ETF ICLN. It has been going sideways; I consider it a long-term play. I only hope that Earth will have a long term.

I've recently added QCLN to my portfolio. This is speculative. I expect it to remain in the toilet until the current US Executive Branch is replaced, then I expect it to climb. If Democrats gain the Senate as well, I expect QCLN to soar.

I may continue the "CLN" theme with the new ETF ECLN.

The money I have invested in these ETFs is all money I can afford to lose.