Follow my logic here…

Quotes from Steve Jobs’ 2005 commencement speech @ Stanford University:
“Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice… and most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”  -Steve Jobs

Fact 1: A monumental shift in the earth:
The 9.0 earthquake off the NE coast of Japan on Fri March 11, 2011 had a significant impact on the earth.  The earthquake moved Honshu 2.4 m (8 ft) east and shifted the Earth on its axis by estimates of between 10 cm (4 in) and 25 cm (10 in)…

Fact 2: NIKE’s “Just Do It” slogan:
It’s been measured and proven that this NIKE slogan and corporate tagline had a fundamental and profound impact on the way people thought of themselves – not just to go out and buy a pair of Nike shoes.  This slogan actually got people off the couch and got them more active.  People ended relationships that were weighing them down for years and finally “did it”.  There are countless other examples of how this slogan (originally designed to sell more shoes and apparel) — actually cut deeper into the fabric of our lives and conscience thought — for many years afterward.

Hypothesis:
What if Steve Jobs’ death, along with the worldwide media attention it has garnered, has actually shifted a certain percentage of the human population to think differently.

WHAT IF – there is another shift happening right now.  A change afoot that the mainstream media has missed!

WHAT IF – Steve’s passing has fundamentally caused a shift in the thinking of people all over the world to take the opportunities at hand and run with them.

WHAT IF – after reading Steve’s quotes above (and his other quotes within other social media outlets) – entrepreneurs around the world emulate his thinking and passion toward their own dreams.  Finally making their dreams a reality!

WHAT IF – many people around the world make a conscious effort to create real value in human evolution…

WOW — What a better place our global community will be!

My Take-away: I think Steve will live on in more ways than just the technological gadgets, products and solutions he brought forth.  I also believe Steve Jobs will live on in many, many qualitative and subtle ways that can not be quantified.  Thanks Steve (from my personal perspective) - as you continue to inspire me to take my next steps in life, toward the life I was truly created for.  - Mark Brogley

Final Quote from Steve Jobs:
“Remembering you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.” - Steve Jobs

Investing With A Conscience: Faith-Based And Socially Conscious Investing

If you want to put your money where your ideals are, you’re not alone: More people than ever are following their consciences and their faith when it comes to investing.

In fact, socially conscious and faith-based investing currently accounts for a little over 10% of the U.S. investment marketplace.

The prospect of following through on your commitment can be daunting, though. Where do you start? How do you know which companies are in line with your ethics–and which ones are supporting, either directly or indirectly, activities that conflict with your beliefs?

Begin by evaluating every company, mutual fund and portfolio that catches your interest as a potential investment.  You’ll want to look for things they’re doing that are in line with your values, as well as for things they’re doing (or not doing) that conflict with your beliefs. For example, do they own any part of any operation that is harmful or oppressive to vulnerable populations (or to anyone, for that matter)?  Do they support clean technology and conflict-free goods? Look at their financials and see where their money goes.  When they’ve met your criteria, look for one more thing: Are they profitable?

There are other ways to invest in a brighter future.

You might also consider community investing, where you can invest capital in small businesses that serve low-income populations; in businesses and individuals in communities that are not well served by the financial services sector; and in community banks as an alternative to large, multinational banks. You can even choose to take part in making micro-loans available to start-up businesses in developing countries through organizations like FINCA® International.

If you’re solely interested in supporting companies and investments that do not conflict with the basic tenets of your faith, the process is basically the same as outlined above for social investing. In your due diligence, check to make sure a company and its supply chain do not invest in or support any activities that are in opposition to your beliefs. Because so many people today want to invest in line with their faith, there are a wide range of faith-based financial advisors, mutual funds and money managers to choose from. As with socially conscious investments, make sure your faith-based investments are profitable and offer the degree of risk acceptable to you.

Socially conscious and faith-based investing is a rewarding way to grow your portfolio.  It takes additional effort though, and only you can determine is it worth it!  Most people who go this route say: “YES IT IS!”

By choosing to put your money into companies that live up to your ideals, you’re helping to make the world a better place.   And that’s not such a bad reason to invest.

What Makes A Quality Financial Advisor:

Financial Advisors have varied experiences, education, and specializations.  Finding the right financial planning firm and/or financial advisor takes the right research.  It takes trust in the source.

We have selected only the top financial planning professionals in the U.S. with which to work.  The Financial Advisors in our directory are all independent, Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) managed by FINRA and the SEC (United States Securities and Exchange Commission).

Our financial advisors take fiduciary oaths and pledge to uphold the highest standard of ethics.  Many of the financial planners within our directory explain how their financial planning process works within their profiles.  After reviewing their profile pages, you can request a fee schedule, more detailed information and/or a meeting. 

Many of our advisors are members of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA: the nation’s leading organization promoting Fee-Only comprehensive financial planning) and the Financial Planning Association (FPA).

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