Investing with Intention: Aligning Your Money with What You Believe In

Most people think of investing as a purely financial decision—an attempt to earn returns and build wealth. But more and more, people are asking a new question:

"Can I grow my money without compromising my values?"

The answer is yes. That's the power of investing with intention.

This approach goes beyond traditional investing. It invites you to view your dollars not just as tools for building wealth, but as a reflection of what matters most to you—whether that's sustainability, social justice, community, or corporate ethics.

Let's break down how this works and how you can start investing in a way that aligns with your personal beliefs.

What Does It Mean to "Invest with Intention"?

Intentional investing is about more than just returns—it's about choosing where your money goes and what kind of impact it makes.

When you invest intentionally, you consider:

  • What companies you're supporting

  • What industries your money is fueling

  • What long-term change you'd like to help create

It means asking:

  • Do these companies align with my environmental or social values?

  • Am I investing in companies that treat their employees fairly?

  • Are my investments contributing to problems—or helping solve them?

Popular Approaches to Values-Based Investing

There are several frameworks for aligning your investments with your values. You don't need to choose just one—but understanding the differences can help you take the right first step.

1. ESG Investing

ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. These are three key areas used to evaluate companies:

  • Environmental: How do they impact the planet? (carbon footprint, resource use)

  • Social: How do they treat people? (labor practices, diversity)

  • Governance: How is the company run? (board diversity, ethics)

Many mutual funds and ETFs now screen companies using ESG metrics to identify those that are more responsible and resilient.

2. SRI (Socially Responsible Investing)

SRI often involves excluding companies or industries that don't align with your values—such as tobacco, weapons, or fossil fuels.

It's about filtering out the companies that don't align with your beliefs.

3. Impact Investing

Impact investing goes one step further. It aims to actively create positive social or environmental change—while still seeking financial returns.

This could include:

  • Microfinance projects in underserved areas

  • Clean energy initiatives

  • Affordable housing developments

Does Values-Based Investing Hurt Returns?

This is one of the most common questions—and the answer may surprise you.

Studies show that ESG and values-aligned portfolios can perform as well as (or sometimes better than) traditional portfolios—especially over the long term.

Why? Because companies that treat people well, manage risk responsibly, and plan for the future tend to be more stable and forward-thinking—which makes them better long-term investments.

That said, as with all investing, there's no guarantee. But if you can invest with both purpose and performance in mind, why not?

How to Get Started with Intentional Investing

You don't need to overhaul your entire portfolio overnight. Here's a simple path to begin:

  1. Define your values.
    What causes or principles are most important to you? (e.g., climate, human rights, faith, community)

  2. Review your current investments.
    Are there any holdings that conflict with those values?

  3. Research ESG or values-based funds.
    Many robo-advisors, brokerages, and advisors offer ESG portfolios or tools to help you screen investments.

  4. Talk to a financial advisor.
    Not all values-aligned investments are created equal. A fiduciary advisor can help you align your goals and beliefs without sacrificing diversification or return potential.

Aligning Money with Meaning

Intentional investing is part of a larger financial philosophy—it's about creating a life that reflects who you are, not just what you earn.

When your money supports your values, it can feel more fulfilling. You're not just investing for a number on a spreadsheet—you're investing in a future you believe in.

Need help building a purpose-driven portfolio?

We're here to guide you through every step of aligning your investments with your values.
Reach out to bri@apriem.com for a no-pressure conversation about intentional investing.