Sarah van der Spuy from Accumen Fiancial Planning is our very own money guru! This week she shows us how we can invest our money wisely for the benefit of both our own wallets and the world ...
Money is not the be all and end all; therefore one should not place too much emphasis on money itself.
What we should realise about money is that it is a tool and can be used as the holder chooses. Money facilitates transactions and puts you in a position of power no matter how much or little you have.
One of the powerful things that money represents is freedom of choice. We have the freedom to choose exactly what we spend our money on. We are also fortunate enough to choose where we invest the money we save. You can choose to be a socially responsible investor and effectively put each dollar towards positively shaping the future.
What does socially responsible investing mean?
Basically it means investing in companies who in turn invest in projects which are not environmentally or socially damaging. They are companies which avoid investments in tobacco, alcohol, gambling, weapons or military and companies which do animal testing. Socially responsible companies are also those which take good care of their staff and provide favourable working conditions, additional support, assistance and development. As well as companies which promote community development by getting involved in helping and supporting positive change and offering financial assistance.
How do you become a socially responsible investor?
Responsible investing is all about being aware of what you are investing your money in. It’s about knowing that you have a choice on where to put your money. You have the right to ask the company what projects they are investing in, and to check that they are projects which are not environmentally or socially damaging. There are three ways in which you can become a socially responsible investor:
1: Invest directly in companies which are ethical. This can be in the form of companies within NZ. You can apply your socially responsible principles to your investment decision.
2: You can invest indirectly through managed funds. This however, may be more difficult to research and to get to the bottom of exactly what they are investing in.
3: Another form of investing, and something that each one of us can do as a consumer is to be aware of the products we buy. Supporting a company and buying their products is a form of investing. Socially responsible investing can be an attitude which you engage each day. Buy products which are environmentally friendly and which haven’t been tested on animals.
Remember that you are the one with the money to invest; therefore you are the one with the power. If a company is not investing in ethical projects and you do not agree with where your money is going, there are many other opportunities for you to invest in companies whose values resonate with yours. Use your money as a tool to make powerful, positive changes.
Acumen are offering nzgirls an exclusive offer! When you and a friend book a Money Management Consultation, you'll only have to pay $100 each (each Money Consultation normally retails at $175 + gst per person). Click here to visit the Acumen website and book your consultation today!
our very own money guru! This week she shows us how we can invest our money wisely for the benefit of both our own wallets and the world ...
What does socially responsible investing mean? 
