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Month: April 2022

Watch Out for These Common Tax Scams

According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), tax scams tend to increase during tax season and/or times of crisis.1 Now that tax season is in full swing, the IRS is reminding taxpayers to use caution and avoid becoming the victim of a fraudulent tax scheme. Here are some of the most common tax scams to watch … Read more

Is the Russia-Ukraine War a Threat to the Global Economy?

Before Russia stunned the world by invading Ukraine, it was widely believed that the economic ties formed through globalization would help promote peace. But the war is testing that assumption and drawing attention to the vulnerabilities in far-flung supply chains, which were already under pressure because of the pandemic and recovery. In response to the … Read more

Help Wanted: Why Can’t Businesses Find Enough Workers?

The headline U.S. unemployment rate fell from 6.7% at the end of December 2020 to 3.9% in December 2021, marking the biggest one-year improvement in history.1 While many workers took advantage of this strong rebound in the job market, companies large and small have been struggling with labor shortages. A conspicuous lack of workers has snarled … Read more

Managing Bond Risks When Interest Rates Rise

After dropping the benchmark federal funds rate to a rock-bottom range of 0%–0.25% early in the pandemic, the Federal Open Market Committee has begun raising the rate toward more typical historical levels in response to high inflation. At its March 2022 meeting, the Committee raised the funds rate to 0.25%–0.50% and projected the equivalent of … Read more

Resources for Applying Eco-Friendly Practices in Your Finances

Investors are increasingly applying non-financial factors such as environmental concerns, social justice, and governance practices (or ESG) as part of their analysis process to identify material risks and growth opportunities. Here are some resources to better understand what this means for your investments.

Important Terms for Eco-Friendly Investing

Green investing:

Green investing refers to investing activities aligned with environmentally-friendly business practices and the conservation of natural resources. Investors can support green initiatives by buying green mutual funds, green index funds, green ETFs, green bonds, or by holding stock in environmentally-friendly companies.

Socially responsible investing (SRI)

Socially responsible investing (SRI) is an investing strategy that aims to generate both social change and financial returns for an investor. Socially responsible investments can include companies making a positive sustainable or social impact, such as a solar energy company, and exclude those making a negative impact.

ESG (Environment, Social & Governance)

ESG stands for environmental, social and governance. These are non-financial factors investors use to measure an investment or company’s sustainability.

Watch video on what it means to be a socially conscious investor:

 

Read Blog on ESG Investing

 

More Articles & Resources for Eco-Friendly Investing

 

Eco-Friendly Guide to Finances and Saving

This guide from MoneyGeek offers expert advice and insight, valuable tools and resources designed to help you develop a “green” approach to your finances.

https://www.moneygeek.com/financial-planning/environmentally-friendly-finance-and-saving/

 

6 Ways to Make Your Money More Sustainable

https://www.yahoo.com/now/6-ways-money-more-sustainable-151607155.html

Financial Benefits of an Eco-friendly Business

Financial Benefits of an Eco-friendly Business

 

Green money: how your finances can help the planet

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2022/feb/07/green-money-how-your-finances-can-help-the-planet

State of Minnesota Small Business Environmental Improvement Loans

https://www.pca.state.mn.us/regulations/small-business-environmental-improvement-loans

Ballast Advisors is a fee-based financial planning firm.  Our financial advisors serving the Twin Cities and Southwestern Florida can help you reach your retirement and financial goals.  Our offices are located in Woodbury, MN, Arden Hills, MN and Punta Gorda, FL.

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES The opinions expressed herein are those of Ballast Advisors, LLC and are subject to change without notice. The third-party material presented is derived from sources Ballast Advisors consider to be reliable, but the accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Nothing contained herein is an offer to purchase or sell any product. This material is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Ballast Advisors reserve the right to modify its current investment strategies and techniques based on changing market dynamics or client needs. These materials are provided for general information and educational purposes based upon publicly available information from sources believed to be reliable — we cannot assure the accuracy or completeness of these materials. The information in these materials may change at any time and without notice. Ballast Advisors, LLC is a registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about the firm, including its services, strategies, and fees can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available without charge upon request.

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