GLOBAL POVERTY: MICRO-LENDING

Small amounts of money can be used to transform lives overseas.  Micro-lending is a very effective way to leaverage the “power of the dollar“, as well as providing a modest return, similar to a traditional savings account.  For more information contact me here.

GLOBAL WATER

The UNITED NATIONS estimates that 2/3 of nations will become “water-stressed” by 2050. The supply is shrinking and our population is growing. Please consider investing in companies who work toward sustainable solutions to the encroaching water crisis. Click here for more information. To discuss how investing in global water can benefit you, contact me.

DIVESTMENT

Divestment means NOT investing in companies that do not meet your personal social criteria.  The following is an example of divestment:

Petro China is one of China’s largest oil companies.  They obtain a large portion of their oil supply from Sudan, Africa.  Petro China has been accused by many advocacy and human rights groups of paying the government of Sudan with both money as well as with military weaponry.  The government of Sudan has been accused of comitting acts of genocide against it’s people of Darfur, Sudan. 

In a socially-minded investment portfolio, Petro China would NOT be invested in.  Instead, as an energy-sector postion, one might look into alternative energy as a replacement (i.e., wind, solar, bio-thermal companies, etc.).  Click here for more info on the crisis in Sudan and your investments.

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

In these uncertain economic times, the alternative energy sector has received much attention.  Many analysts see this sector as highly promising over the long run.  The foundation is set, in many anyalysts opinions, for long-term growth in this sector:

• Rising global demand for energy
• Limitations and scarcity regarding existing oil supply
• Growing investment in new technologies
• Climate change
• A changing regulatory landscape

Click here to read a full white paper about the challenges and opportunites of investing in alternative energy.

COMMUNITY INVESTING

“Where Economic and Social Value Meet”

You can make a difference in needy communities who are neglected by traditional financial institutions. Community investment organizations make loans to highly effective organizations that create local jobs, finance small businesses, develop or rehab affordable homes, and provide essential community service.  How?

It’s easy:

• You provide an agreed upon amount of capital
• The money is loaned to qualifying organizations (through the community investment program)
• The organization continues to work toward its mission
• The loans are repaid
• You get your money back, plus interest

Rather than sitting in a savings account, your money can be working to revitalize communities in over 50 states!  Click here for more information.