March 2008 | On Our Radar
Don’t Just Get Mad…Get Active
By Jessica Ridenour
Bush’s recently approved economic stimulus package will allegedly boost our sinking economy by returning funds back to cash-strapped Americans, who will presumably take their checks straight to the shopping mall. With a crippling federal debt of $9 trillion, will a trip to Wal-Mart really make our country more fiscally sound? Instead, why not use your $600 or $1,200 to make an investment in our nation’s future?
Put your money where your bleeding heart is with one of these investment opportunities. Or pay your credit card bill. Your choice.
» Socially responsible investments (SRIs) are a way to invest financially in corporations that are on the up-and-up, ethically speaking. Investment firms Domini Social Investments (domini.com), Pax World Mutual Funds (paxworld.com) and Calvert (calvert.com) offer socially responsible mutual funds with companies that embrace fair labor practices, environmental preservation and human rights.
» Want even more eco-bang for your buck? Green Century Funds (greencentury.com), Portfolio 21 (portfolio21.com) and Sierra Club Stock Fund (sierraclubfunds.com) go the extra green mile with super strict eco-criteria for their mutual funds.
» Bolster a small business in the developing world through a microloan. For a small investment, you can help third-world entrepreneurs escape poverty and improve their standards of living. Explore microfinance at villagebanking.org, accion.org, grameenfoundation.org or kiva.org.
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