Browse our FAQ below to see answers to commonly-asked questions
1) What is Sustainable Investing?
As an evolving term, Sustainable Investing is often lumped together with socially responsible investing (SRI), green investing, and impact investing. Others assume it only refers to sustainable technology, such as alternative energy.
For us Sustainable Investing is based on the idea that a company's environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance is closely related to its long-term financial performance. We believe any well-managed company recognizes this connection and well-managed companies make better investments. Our view is a company that shows leadership on issues ranging from energy efficiency to gender equality to shareholder rights may be more likely to be forward-thinking, better at anticipating and managing risks, and focused on building long-term value.
2) Is Sustainable Investing the “future”?
We think so! According to the Social Investing Forum Foundation, Sustainable Investing strategies now account for more than one out of every six dollars (over $6.5 trillion) under professional management in the United States. It is our belief that in the next couple of decades the majority of investing will transition to this type of management. In the work we have done with the United Nations (United Nations Environmental Programme – Finance Initiative, UNEP FI), we are already seeing this shift on a large corporate scale all over the world. UNEP FI has some of the largest financial institutions in the world as signatories to principles that will move us closer to a sustainable future for investing and finance.
3) What about fossil fuel free investing?
We strongly support the divestment movement and are pleased to offer fossil fuel free investments within our portfolios. Aside from the moral argument of profiting at the expense of the planet, we feel coal, oil and gas companies are fundamentally unsustainable and will face tremendous headwinds in the decades to come. Instead we see exciting investment opportunities as the global economy shifts toward a lower carbon future powered by sun, wind and water.
4) What makes the sustainable investor unique?
From our inception in 2009, the primary focus has been Sustainable Investing. Aware of the growing interest in Sustainable Investing, some advisors are adding this element as a sidebar to their practice without any deep knowledge, expertise or conviction. For us Sustainable Investing forms the basis for all of our investment decisions and how we operate as an organization.
So while Sustainable Investing may match up with your individual values, we also believe it makes good financial sense. Check out our Resources section for more information about recent studies.
5) What performance can I expect?
Years ago there was only "socially responsible investing" and it was seen to have a cost associated with it; i.e. you would give up performance in return for doing the "right thing". This notion has evolved enormously in recent years with many studies showing Sustainable Investing yielding equal, if not superior results. Whether it’s issues related to climate change, labor relations or water scarcity, we believe companies that incorporate sustainability in their decisions and practices are more likely to be innovative, efficient and forward-looking; this in turn ultimately benefits investors.
So while Sustainable Investing may match up with your individual values, we also believe it makes good financial sense. Check out our Resources section for more information about recent studies.
6) what if i only want Sustainable Investing for some of my money?
This is always an option. Some of our clients have traditional investment allocations in their portfolios as they learn more about Sustainable Investing. We also have the ability to create portfolios a la carte, where you can focus on certain areas that are important to you.
7) What does ‘fee-only' mean?
Fee-only financial advisors are compensated solely by the client and can therefore make recommendations without the conflicts of interest that might come from incentives such as commissions, sales incentives, rebates and bonuses. We embrace the fee-only approach and further eschew so called "referral fees" where an advisor would otherwise receive a (sometimes substantial) fee for referring the client to an outside professional (such as an insurance agent).
As a fee-only advisor, we are held to a strict fiduciary standard; by law we are required to always have your best interest at heart.
8) What are your investment management fees?
Annual Fee Assets Under Management
1.00% On the first $1 Million
0.75% On the second $1 Million
0.50% Over $2 Million
We always strive to keep fees as low as possible. We construct our portfolios carefully, looking at all underlying expenses in order to maximize your potential return.
9) IS there a minimum?
In an effort to remove the barriers traditionally associated with professional investment management, we do not currently require a minimum account size (nor is there a minimum fee for our services).
10) Where is my money held?
We believe investors should always have their accounts held at a custodian that is completely separate and independent from their advisor. Due to its strong reputation and low costs, our preferred custodian is Charles Schwab. Schwab provides you with information directly through monthly statements, trade confirmations and online account access. You grant us limited authorization to manage the investments in your accounts.
11) How do I learn more?
We start with a discovery meeting, either in person or by phone/Skype™. Depending on your circumstances, more than one discovery meeting may be needed. There is no fee for these meetings nor are there any upfront costs in evaluating whether we are a good fit for each other. Our goal is to allow you to learn about us in an unhurried and collaborative atmosphere.