By Orrie Augsburger
Faith Investment Services
Bluffton, 419-358-4207
When first introduced to the concept of Faith-based Investing or Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI), I was very skeptical like many other people. This type of investing proactively screens out companies that voluntarily support certain non-Christian causes like abortion or pornography (and others) from your investment portfolio. I thought it was a gimmick for Christian people to feel like they have a special place to participate in the market. In addition to that, I did not think it was possible to have ‘good’ returns when employing BRI strategies in your portfolio. Fortunately, I was proven wrong about both of those thoughts.
First, let me clarify that BRI can produce ‘good’ returns just like any portfolio. It is important to understand, however, that there are many personal definitions of what a ‘good’ return means for an investor. Defining a suitable return on investment is always relative to your expectations. The realities of investing in the market often do not line-up with people’s expectations for return. This is true no matter what investment model is used and is a conversation for another day. Nonetheless, I have studied and witnessed, as have many other experienced financial professionals, that portfolios with BRI have had comparable returns and/or outperformed amoral investment strategies.*
Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI) is definitely not a gimmick. It is not for everyone but is a movement that is gaining immense traction and awareness in the marketplace. This movement has helped many investors align their investments with their belief system. It is incredibly rewarding to know that as a Christian, or someone of similar beliefs, you can participate in the market without violating your strongly held values. Holding the line on your faith values can be challenging, but it does not have to be overwhelmingly difficult. We help many people become better stewards of their overall financial situation and Biblically Responsible Investing is one component of that.
As an employee of Faith Investment Services and an active participant in the market, having a good return on investment that aligns with my faith values is very important. Please reach out to us if you would like to start a conversation on how to align your faith values with your investment portfolio.
At Faith Investment Services we help many people with their IRAs and employer-sponsored plans (such as 401ks and 403bs) align their values with their investment objectives and risk tolerance.
*Check out this article on our website. This answers many objections and discusses returns about halfway down the webpage
Advisory Services are offered through Creative Financial Designs, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser, and Securities are offered through cfd Investments, Inc., a Registered Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA & SIPC, 2704 S. Goyer Rd., Kokomo, IN 46902. 765-453-9600. Faith Investment Services is independently owned and not controlled by the CFD Companies.
