Comments on: What Is Your Thought On Socially Responsible Investing (SRI)?

By: What Exactly is Moolanomy? | Money Smart Life

What Exactly is Moolanomy? | Money Smart Life — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 14:13:53 +0000

[...] Socially Responsible Investing [...]

By: Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) Is A Scam - Amateur Asset Allocator

Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) Is A Scam - Amateur Asset Allocator — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:33:21 +0000

[...] came across a post on socially responsible investing on Moolanomy a few days ago that really helped put the issue in perspective for me, particularly [...]

By: Interesting Reads - January 10th 2009 | OneMint

Interesting Reads - January 10th 2009 | OneMint — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 00:21:30 +0000

[...] Socially Responsible Investing from Moolanomy: Here is something you don’t hear a lot about – Socially Responsible Investing. [...]

By: Lauren@LifeStyler

Lauren@LifeStyler — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:38:24 +0000

I also agree with Lulu – if you’re lending your money on Prosper for a lower interest rate than what a bank would offer, you would be doing them a favor. However, if a bank is quoting them an 18% interest rate on a loan, then it’s likely that they’re a risky prospect to begin with. But if you’re willing to take on that risk, and offer a better rate than the bank, I guess that could be seen as being socially responsible. Although I always thought of SRI as investing in things like alternative energy or “green” companies.

By: Pinyo

Pinyo — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:58:46 +0000

@Betsy – there is some control with vital statistics like credit score, DTI, number of delinquencies, etc. So, I wouldn’t say that there is no vetting process.

As for 3%, wouldn’t I be better off with online savings or CDs in that case? I think 3% should be risk-free.

Thank you for stopping by.

By: betsy teutsch - MoneyChangesThings

betsy teutsch - MoneyChangesThings — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 16:44:44 +0000

the main issue with one-on-one lending sites is there is no vetting process. you’re taking people’s word that their story is true.

There are new platforms like microplace.com where you can actually lend through a microfinance institution and get a modest 3% return. Other SRI’s are screened funds comparable to other mutual funds.

For a review of the field, take a look at http://moneychangesthings.blog.....tails.html

By: Pinyo

Pinyo — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:40:22 +0000

@Don — “However, active engagement in a capitalistic society often DOES get some action. ”

Excellent point.

By: Don

Don — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 03:02:49 +0000

If we expand our definition of “socially responsible investing” to encompass more than just moral judgment…and we expand our actions to more than just exclusionary screening…then I believe that SRI really can do some good.

After all, we are in a capitalistic society and the purchase of various goods and services either encourages companies to continue producing those goods and services in the manner in which they produce them, or it discourages them. Simply selling the stock and divesting of the company may not do a darn thing (as Ron @ wisdomjournal stated). That might be equivalent to the old “I’m never eating THERE again!” type of action.

However, active engagement in a capitalistic society often DOES get some action. Writing letters to a restaurant might change that restaurant’s service pattern…and writing letters to a corporation (or voting your shares) might change that corporation’s service pattern. I know it won’t solve all problems inherent in a company…but the inability to solve ALL problems should never be an excuse to not try to solve SOME problems.

By: Mr. Stubbs

Mr. Stubbs — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 23:19:13 +0000

its a term I’ve not heard before but rather one i take for granted, i wouldn’t invest in something that wasn’t socially responsible no matter how much it made me.

By: Carnival of Personal Finance » Carnival of Personal Finance #137

Carnival of Personal Finance » Carnival of Personal Finance #137 — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 19:29:27 +0000

[...] What is Your Thought on Socially Responsivle Investing? [...]