As a financial advisor, the majority of my conversations with clients and prospects revolve around money. They ask how much they should invest to reach their goals, what they can expect in returns, and how to mitigate risk. How a financial services professional answers these questions is what separates a true advisor from a salesperson. Theres nothing wrong with being a salesperson, but if I am to act with fiduciary responsibility on behalf of my clients, I must know whats important to them. Whats important doesnt always mean what we think it does. When it comes to buying an equity position in a company, what could be more important than returns? As it turns out, a lot.

Advances in technology, among other things, have provided both investors and advisors an opportunity to dive deeper than ever before into the behavior of companies.

Publicly traded companies have a culture. The culture is one they both encourage and create, and more often than not, the true culture of a company is reflected by the philanthropic and investment decisions made by its leadership. For a time, people of faith were limited in their ability to gather knowledge about what the companies in their portfolio support outside of what they primarily do. Advances in technology, among other things, have provided both investors and advisors an opportunity to dive deeper than ever before into the behavior of companies. I, as a financial advisor, have a responsibility to inform my clients of everything I think theyd be interested in knowing about their investments. The majority of the time, conversations about whats really important lead to positive results.

In a recent discussion with a couple I am new to working with, the conversation reached a point where I was able to ask, What wouldnt you invest your money in? Is there anything specifically you would want to avoid? Yes, of course, they replied. We wouldnt want to invest in companies supporting abortion, pornography, gambling , along with a couple other industries. Their response gave me the opportunity to act as a fiduciary, in the best interest of my clients.

I showed the couple a report based on information theyd provided before our meeting using the eVALUEator Biblically Responsible Investing screening tool. The report highlighted where and how their portfolio was currently invested. It was revealed that more than 30% of the companies they were holding through mutual funds and ETFs are actively involved in activities they just told me they wanted no part of. They were, to say the least, shocked.

Unfortunately, shock is an all-too-common response. I live and work just south of Nashville, in the Bible Belt. To say faith and values are important here is an understatement. Most people I know try to live out those values in their everyday lives as best they can. But when it comes to what people invest their money in, they just dont know what they dont know. Truthfully, its one of those things we dont talk about that much, but we should. Its my job to inform people how their investment dollars are being used as much as it is to discuss returns, strategies, and progress toward their ultimate goals. If I do one and not the other, I believe I have missed the mark.

There are a number of reasons why I believe someone should consider biblically responsible investing for their portfolio. I want to briefly touch on two reasons: values and stewardship.

Many people cant tell you where their money is invested. The questions advisors hear most often are related to returns. When our money is invested, we become owners in these companies, and through our investment, we support their mission, vision, and culture. Our dollars reinforce and grow values you may not support. Biblically responsible investing allows you to invest in companies whose mission, vision, and culture align with pro-life, pro-family values while experiencing the same or possibly better returns.

Many of the stocks in the S&P 500 support industries and organizations that do not meet the screening criteria of the eVALUEator Biblically Responsible Investing tool. Every portfolio I have reviewed has been holding multiple positions in those companies. As people of faith, we are called to be stewards of ALL the resources with which we are blessed, including how we invest our financial blessings. 1 Corinthians 10:31 challenges us with the words whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.1 I am reminded of the Parable of the Talents. The consequences for the one who took the money hed been given and had nothing to show for it when the master returned were severe. The story tells me that where we invest money is important to God.

As a fiduciary, I examine multiple solutions to address clients needs and remove as much risk as possible. When I help people align their values with their investment goals (and the biblically responsible investing options are plentiful), I have lived up to who I am as a true financial advisor.

This content was brought to you by Impact Partnership BrandVoice. Investment advisory services offered through Optivise Advisory Services, LLC (OAS), an SEC-registered investment advisor.OAS and Anchor Financial, Inc. are independent of one another. Insurance and annuities offered through Stacey Andres, TN Insurance License #2239578. DT# 1051467-0121

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The Crossroads Of Investments And Values - Forbes