A Look at 3 Investments That Matter

Delving into the world of investing isn’t an easy endeavor, but with the right choices it can be a rewarding experience, in more than one way. The obvious reason most people make investments is to grow their money, but there are a select few who invest for rather altruistic reasons. Some investors really do want to “pay it forward” for the many opportunities they’ve been given in life, and that is a noble gesture.

However, very few investors can afford to invest simply for the sake of doing good deeds. For those who are looking to accumulate some amount of wealth while doing something that matters, there are investments which meet both those qualifications. Let’s look at a few investments that make a difference; investments that really matter.

1. Agriculture Investments

Investing in America’s farmland is an investment in the future of our children. With so much farmland laying waste, a managed fund of agricultural land can offer a high yield, outperforming both the 10-year Treasuries and the S&P 500. Choose an investment fund like Crawford Park Farming AG that specializes in California Farmland.

This particular investment fund buys farmland that is sourced for water during drought conditions and works with land managers who utilize sustainable farming practices. If you are looking for an investment that matters, providing sustainable food sources is certainly investing in something that makes a difference. Have resource planning before progressing. If you need help, consult companies like Syte Consulting Group to discuss how well you can utilize your investment capital for business growth.

2. Socially Responsible Companies

This will take a bit of research, but if you want to invest in something that matters, look for companies that have strong safety and health standards as well as fair and equitable treatment of their employees. Two companies of note come quite unexpectedly. Both were the object of controversial employment practices but a decade or two ago and both have done a total about-face.

Nike (NKE) and Apple (AAPL) were ridiculed for their unfair labor practices but both have turned it around and are now notorious for using sustainable materials and manufacturing with energy efficient processes. Nike has even gone so far as to audit their suppliers to ensure best practices within the industry. Investing in companies that also want to make a difference is a good feeling, and a profitable one as well!

3. Transparent Food Production

How many times have you been fooled by food labels with misleading ingredients? For companies like Panera Bread (PNRA), this is a travesty of justice. The company not only operates with transparent leadership, but they also believe that consumers have a right to know what they are eating. This company will not mis-label ingredients and has even created a list of more than 150 ingredients which they do not and will never use in the production of their foods. Called a “No No List,” both St. Louise Bread Co. and Panera will remove any items containing those ingredients from their menus. If you want your investment capital to count for something, investing in the production of healthy foods is again both lucrative and meaningful.

These are just examples of what you can do with your investment capital. You can invest in companies that make a difference which is investing in something that matters. There are thousands of other companies out there like the abovementioned examples, so do a bit of research. What does that company stand for and are they aboveboard and trustworthy? Your investment dollars can make a difference if you find investments that matter. It takes time and diligence, but they are out there. Now go find them.