This past September, we partnered with Jasmine Rashid—author, activist, and financial feminist powerhouse—for Financial Activism 101, a transformative series that challenged us to rethink the way we interact with money. Jasmine reminded us that every dollar we spend or save has the power to reshape systems and drive justice.
Q: How can I find and support values-aligned companies and providers?
It can feel challenging to source from ethical businesses, and unfortunately, that’s often by design. However, there are tools and networks that can help you break free from systems that prioritize profit over values.
Tools and Resources:
- Good On You: An app that rates fashion brands on their impact on people, the planet, and animals, making it easy to find ethical clothing brands.
- DoneGood: A browser extension and website highlighting ethical alternatives for everyday purchases.
- Buycott: This app uncovers the business practices behind products, letting you avoid companies that don’t align with your values.
- Ethical Consumer: A UK-based website providing in-depth ethical ratings across categories like food, energy, and travel.
- Intentionalist: A directory helping you discover local businesses owned by women, people of color, veterans, and LGBTQ+ community members.
- B Corporation Directory: Lists businesses meeting high standards of social and environmental responsibility.
Other Tips:
- Shop at local co-ops and independent stores. Cooperative businesses often prioritize economic democracy, fairness, and sustainability.
- Look for terms like “sustainable,” “B Corp certified,” or “fair trade” when searching for businesses.
Q: How can I escape the clutches of Amazon?
Feeling stuck with limited options is common, but alternatives do exist. The resources listed above are excellent starting points for finding more sustainable and values-aligned businesses. Shopping locally and supporting smaller, community-oriented businesses can also help reduce reliance on Amazon.
Q: What’s the difference between saving/investing and hoarding?
Saving/Investing:
Saving and investing are intentional practices aimed at meeting future needs, building financial security, and, when done ethically, supporting collective well-being. Savings provide short-term stability, while investments can drive long-term growth and fund projects or movements aligned with your values. These practices allow your resources to circulate in the economy, fostering innovation and community development.
Hoarding:
Hoarding, by contrast, stems from fear or a scarcity mindset, often leading to unproductive accumulation. Resources that are hoarded aren’t circulated, which can contribute to inequality and hinder economic and social progress. Hoarding isolates wealth, limiting its potential to support meaningful change.
Key Differences:
Intent: Saving/investing is purposeful; hoarding is fear-driven.
Impact: Saving/investing benefits individuals and communities; hoarding restricts access and perpetuates scarcity.
Utility: Savings/investments contribute to economic flow; hoarded resources remain stagnant.
In essence, saving and investing responsibly can be powerful tools for collective liberation, while hoarding undermines both individual and societal progress.
Q: Any thoughts on using life insurance, health insurance, or disability coverage to invest, save, or create generational wealth?
This is a great question and touches on important aspects of financial planning. While I’m not a financial advisor, here’s a general overview: life insurance can help transfer wealth efficiently, while health and disability insurance serve as protective tools to guard against losses that could derail financial progress. Together, these can form part of a broader wealth-building strategy, though they’re not traditional investment tools. For personalized advice, I’d recommend consulting a financial expert who specializes in generational wealth strategies.
Q: Do California foundations like WFC support reforms to foundations’ required payout of endowments or subjecting DAFs to mandatory payouts?
Yes! Women’s Foundation California is a strong and active supporter of reform efforts to unlock and unblock the flow of philanthropic resources. We have supported campaigns organized by https://stophoarding.org/ and allied organizations and individuals, nationally and in California.