SPECIALTIES

We have offered socially responsible investing (SRI) since the 1990s. During the early days, the number of mutual funds offering this type of investment was limited. They primarily concentrated on exclusions of tobacco, firearms, and alcohol.

It was difficult to design a diversified portfolio using only SRI funds. Many clients selected a percentage of their portfolio dedicated to SRI funds.

Fast forward to the present. SRI is now frequently referred to as Impact Investing, Sustainable Investing or ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance). The investment options available cover a much broader range helping us design a diversified ESG portfolio.

Regardless of the term used, it a style of investing that many of our clients want in their portfolio.

It’s probably safe to say that, like many people, you want to have a positive impact on the world around you. You contribute to charities. You donate your time. If you want to align your investments with your values, we can help you evaluate your options.

The portfolio design options offered by Financial Connections include mutual funds and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) classified as Sustainable and Responsible Investing (SRI) or Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG).

Sustainable and Responsible Investing is in the eye of the beholder. It means different things to different people. The funds that we utilize meet at least some of the following criteria:

• Pro-choice
• Non-discriminatory based on gender, race, lifestyle
• LGBTQ friendly
• Environmentally responsible
• Support community involvement
• Promote product safety
• Promote positive employee and workplace policies

We evaluate these funds by analyzing such factors as style of investing, quality of stocks or bonds, approach to buying and selling company stocks, expenses and performance against peer funds.

Environmental, Social and Governance investing presents both risk and opportunity. If you are interested in considering SRI investing in your portfolio, we would be happy to meet with you to discuss the issues, risks, and potential opportunities.

Many families have unique circumstances that require different approaches. This is especially true for the LGBTQ community, single people and Non-Traditional Families. Financial Connections offers LGBTQ financial planning as well as planning for singles and non-traditional families.

LGBTQ Financial Planning

While the right to marry is a step-forward for same-sex couples, some prefer not to get married or live as California Registered Domestic Partners.  How you decide to create your family requires a financial plan supportive of your needs and goals.

Unmarried Financial Planning

We feel that single people as a group are under-served in the financial planning process. Who do you want involved in your health and financial decisions? Who should inherit your money? Many singles feel their friends are their family. Your financial plan, including assistance with the estate side of financial planning, needs to be addressed.

Non-Traditional Families

Many people create their own family unit. Perhaps the family is comprised of grandparents and children. Or, perhaps it is a single parent household with cousins. Whatever your family looks like, you need to plan for your financial, health and legal circumstances.

People adopt their own family model. Our role is to help articulate what you want to accomplish with your finances and help you establish the methods to accomplish your goals.  You’ll find a supportive atmosphere at Financial Connections Group, Inc.