We’re closing in on the end of 2021, which is amazing, and hard to believe, and also very welcome, all at the same time. Something that we’ve heard from many of our listeners year-round (and especially over the last few weeks) is that in 2022, you’re looking for ways to do more with your money. And by “more” we don’t just mean earn more — although that’s always nice. We also don’t mean traditional philanthropy or charitable donations — although that can be meaningful. We’re talking about investing for good — investing in the kinds of companies and funds that allow you to earn a profit, but that also have a hand in helping create the kind of change you want to see in the world. In other words, doing good, and doing well at the same time. All too often when we think about the stock market and capitalism, we think of companies that put profits before people, or corporations that value shareholder return over pretty much anything else. But guess what? We don’t have to give them our money. Instead, we can put our money to work with organizations that care. Many companies are looking to elevate women, they are carbon neutral, and they are fighting the same fight for social justice and change that we are.
But where do we even begin? Our regular listeners know that we’ve covered this topic before. We’ve talked about sustainable investing, impact investing, and ESG investing, which stands for environmental, social and governance. (You can listen to those episodes here: Episode 175: Investing For Good, With Nicole Connolly, and Episode 226: How Your Investments Can Impact Change). No matter what you call it, it’s all the same form of investing — it’s the kind of investing that you do when you’re leading with your conscience.
To dive into this world with us this week is Jean Case, CEO of the Case Impact Network, which she founded in 2020 to “usher in a new era of more inclusive capitalism.” Earlier this year, she launched For What It’s Worth (FWIW), which has quickly become the go-to source for new investors looking to confidently invest for both profit and purpose. Jean also serves as chairman of the board of National Geographic and is the author of the bestseller Be Fearless: 5 Principles for a Life of Breakthroughs and Purpose.
Listen in as Jean gives us her definitions for sustainable investing, impact investing, and ESG investing, and discusses the evolution and the growth of this type of investing. (Hint: women are playing a “significant role” in the growth of both ESG investing as well as companies aligning to be seen as investment targets that provide opportunities for both profit and purpose.) We also discuss the biggest drivers for ESG investing, including climate change and social justice.
We get real about sustainable investing outperforming traditional investing, and all the ways in which our dollars and investing decisions can help hold companies accountable. Also, with the great wealth transfer coming, from Boomers to the younger generations, Jean discusses what sustainable investing may look like in the future.
In Mailbag, we chat with a prospective homeowner who has been priced out of the market, and we advise a woman who received a negative reception from her benefits provider when she tried to open her IRA. In Thrive, the top trends to watch in sustainable fashion in 2022.
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