Consumer magazine recommends that you talk to an independent financial adviser before embarking on any new investments. It suggests you go to the Responsible Investment Association (RIAA) website (www.responsibleinvestment.org) for information about RIAA certified financial advisers, fund managers and superannuation funds, and look for the certified Sustainable Responsible Investment (SRI) symbol. This symbol is an easy way to tell if a financial adviser, fund manager or superannuation fund is involved in responsible investment and has met the Responsible Investment Association’s requirements.
You can use responsible investment strategies to enable you to fund your desired lifestyle and help you fulfil the purpose of making a difference. Traditionally, investment advisers will ask you only about your goals and risk profile in order to determine which investments are most appropriate for you. However, best practice requires that they also ask about whether environmental, social or ethical considerations are important to you. In Australia, the Securities and Investment Commission states that advisers should do this.
We suggest you contact a RIAA certified financial adviser for personalised advice specific to your circumstances. Dr Rodger Spiller CFP is a RIAA certified financial adviser and offers this service through his personal investment advisory business Money Matters.
