Given the turmoil in today’s world, many of us are looking for ways we can make a meaningful difference, not only in our personal lives but also in the ways our investments can impact other people’s lives. While we may not be the Rockefellers’, it’s very possible for people like you and me to make a difference in the world with our investment decisions.
In this article, we’ll discuss one wealth management strategy growing in popularity with those who adhere to Judeo-Christian values: Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI). Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI) is not just a strategy; it reflects our deep-seated beliefs that link our faith and finances.
As a leading San Antonio financial advisor, I’ve witnessed firsthand how BRI can transform families based on how they manage their wealth.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore how your faith can impact your financial decisions or you’re a seasoned investor seeking a more purposeful way to make an impact, understanding the essence of BRI is an important part of your financial foundation.
The Origins of Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI)
There was a time when investors were in the dark about who or what they were genuinely backing with their investment, making it a challenge to adopt faith-based financial decisions.
But in the mid-1990s, a shift began that allowed Christians to invest with pride in firms with business practices that resonated with their spiritual values. And just like that, faith-based investing was no longer a misunderstood concept—it was a reality that was practiced by millions of Christians on a worldwide basis.
Today, Christians use BRI strategies to align their investments with their core beliefs and principles. Gone are the days of compromising your values because there was no way to align your business principles with your faith.
Hebrews 13:5 – “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'”
Download Our eBook: “Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI): Feeling Good About Your Investments
Five Reasons Why BRI Investing Matters
As a San Antonio financial advisor who respects and follows Judeo-Christian teachings, I have a deep understanding of the benefits that BRI investing can bring to you and your family. Here are five reasons why our team at PAX Financial Group believes in the power of BRI investing:
It Starts with Stewardship
Stewardship, at its core, plays a pivotal role in biblically responsible investing. Drawing from biblical principles, it underscores the moral responsibility we hold as caretakers of our resources. By aligning our investment choices with our values, we not only honor our beliefs but also contribute to a world that upholds the same ethical standards that are important to us.
Your investment journey begins by acknowledging that your financial resources are entrusted to you by God.
1 Corinthians 4:2 states, “Moreover, it is required of stewards to be found faithful.”Understand What You’re Investing In: Ethical Investment Criteria
BRI investing is a commitment to maintaining ethical standards that resonate with your faith and values. It’s more than just returns; ethical investing criteria serve as a moral compass, guiding you to make choices that not only seek profitability but also reflect moral responsibility.
Think of it this way: Are the financial advisors you selected being guided by the same moral values that you have? If not, consider investing with money managers (mutual funds, ETFs, separate account managers, etc.) that have values that are more closely aligned with yours.
Proverbs [3:13]-14, “Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold.”
Listen to our latest podcast: The 60-40 Portfolio Shake-Up: Adapting to a Changing Investment LandscapeDiversify Prudently
Diversifying your assets means allocating your investments across different types of asset classes, for example, stocks, bonds, real estate, and commodities, to reduce your risk of significant losses because you had concentrated your investments in too few positions.
When you think about diversification and BRI investing principles, this diversification not only helps mitigate financial risks but also aligns your portfolio with your faith-based values.
Diversification is a way to cast a wider net to identify and invest in global companies that uphold ethical and biblical standards consistent with your own. Meanwhile, you can simultaneously decrease the potential impact of any asset or class underperforming to the extent it can bring down your entire portfolio.
Consider it balancing financial prudence, wise decision-making, and moral conviction.
Proverbs 16:8 (NIV) “Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.”Transparency and Accountability
Biblically responsible investing promotes transparent and honest reporting, urging companies to uphold ethical management standards. It emphasizes transparency in reporting and corporate behavior, focusing on accountability for company actions. This approach encourages businesses to adhere to ethical practices and be responsible for their decisions.
2 Corinthians [8:21]: “For we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man.”Fiduciary Responsibility
A fiduciary financial advisor should be the trusted steward of your financial assets. They are legally obligated to act in the best interests of their clients. When you think about your hard-earned assets, partnering with a financial fiduciary who practices BRI is crucial to aligning your values and beliefs with your investments. A San Antonio fiduciary advisor should be able to ensure your investment portfolio is aligned with your values and beliefs.
Proverbs [15:22]: “Without counsel, plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.”
Get to Know PAX Financial Group
As an independent Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), we are not tied to any financial product company, bank, or insurance company. This allows us to offer you customized investment solutions tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Our customer service is highly personalized. You will never be just a number to the PAX team. It’s important for us to form deep, meaningful relationships with our clients.
As fiduciaries, it’s our duty to not only guide you through our sophisticated financial planning process but also develop sophisticated investment strategies that can help you grow, protect, and distribute your hard-earned assets when the time is right.
“We are the right fit for the person who cares about their family and future,
thinks long term, and wants investments that align with their values and goals.”
Darryl Lyons, PAX Financial Co-Founder
