Money Talks

Listeners discussed:

• how to choose an advisor http://moneytalks.mpbonline.org/episodes/money-talks-choosing-a-professional
• Why she didn't shop at a particular store
• What is fiduciary
• consumer economy
• climate change
• thank you
• fair trade
• anuity

Do you think about this before you make purchaes:

• Environmental impact of what you buy – single use vs reusable
• Impact of what it’s made from – petroleum products vs made from recycled materials
• Impact of how it’s made – child labor vs army labor vs well paid workers
• Where’s it’s made – USA vs over seas
• Packaging – incased in disposable material vs bulk and bring your own container
• Company that makes the product – social philosophy of CEO, politicians they endorse
• Treatment of animals – made of or tested on
• Are you willing to pay more for one item over another based-on Ethics?
• Want vs need. Are you buying on purpose or out of habit?
• Money stays with you or goes to a company that you may not agree with their philosophy
• Rather than “buying” things new buy: Secondhand, Swap, Trade, Repurpose to minimizes the amount of junk that makes its way into landfills, minimizes the number of new items being produced and minimizes your own expense. http://moneytalks.mpbonline.org/episodes/5cd31f1533f6c1be55607d58
• Will I use social media or tell my family why I choose one company over another to encourage them if they share your beliefs

Suggestions:

• Focus on the business you use most frequently – where do you spend the most money? Learn about that company / organization
• 3 Tips to help you be Money Mindful: 1) Keep a Money Diary 2) when you want to make an impulse purchase take 5 deep breaths to take yourself out of the “impulse moment” 3) keep your credit cards at home and only take them out with you when you plan to make a purchase
• Wake up and pay attention to what you spend your money on
• Educate yourself on companies and their practices. Learn about movements that interest you and follow their practices.
• Read labels on products and use your gut instinct.
• Talk to local business owners.
• Donate to organizations that fight for ethics you believe in.
• Volunteer for groups that think the same way you do.
• Support politicians who have views in line with your own. 

Information:

When you see a product with the Fair Trade Certified seal, it was made according to specific social, environmental, and economic standards. These products are available for purchase at Kroger, Target, Sam’s, Amazon, and other popular retailers.  https://www.fairtradeamerica.org/

Socially responsible investing (SRI) is an investing strategy that strives to generate both ethical change and financial returns for an investor. Socially responsible investments often include companies making a positive sustainable or societal impact.

https://www.moneyunder30.com/mindfulness-can-help-you-save-money

https://www.thesimpledollar.com/financial-wellness/shopping-ethically-without-breaking-your-budget/

https://www.fairtradecertified.org/products

https://www.ecowatch.com/shopping-ethically-2637784366.html?rebelltitem=6#rebelltitem6

https://medium.com/naturehub/what-is-a-conscious-consumer-and-why-does-it-matter-4b7a14ca08fc

https://qz.com/920561/conscious-consumerism-is-a-lie-heres-a-better-way-to-help-save-the-world/

https://growensemble.com/conscious-consumerism/

https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/socially-responsible-investing

https://brainymoney.com/money-mindfulness-tips-to-stay-on-track/