Locally Responsible Investing
In recognition of Bank Transfer Day, November 5, 2011, we’d like to offer a set of resources to help you locate resources for socially responsible investing and banking. We don’t profess to be experts on socially responsible investing, but it’s definitely an area of interest for us. What are our options for local and socially responsible banking, investing, and insurance? Locally, we’ve worked with some committed professionals who have made it their work to know the local and socially responsible options. Whether you’re looking for an alternative to banking with one of the “biggies”, looking for a mutual fund that doesn’t invest in nuclear development or tobacco, or looking for an investment tool that will allow you to really direct your funds in a new direction all together, here are some local resources to consider. Click on each link for more information about how these resources can help you fine tune your banking, investing, and insurance.
Local Financial Resources in Portland, Oregon
New Outlook Financial is a Portland, Oregon based investment advisory firm offering fee-only financial planning and investment advice for individuals, families and small business people, many of whom are interested in integrating their finances with their values. Unlike other financial advisors who sell products for commissions, we provide our clients with objective advice and guidance so they can be confident that the advice they are getting is in their best interest.
Format Sol
utions is a local business specializing in providing individuals with unprecedented control over their retirement assets and investment options. If you’re frustrated with the lack of control, volatile performance, and ongoing expenses of your current investment portfolio, they can create a Limited Liability Company within your IRA that allows for full checkbook control of your retirement funds and a nearly limitless investment selection.
Mark Strauss of Leonard Adams Company
: An independent insurance agent. Mark works with financially stable and preferred independent Northwest insurance companies such as: Oregon Mutual, Liberty Northwest, Mutual of Enumclaw, Safeco Insurance and National insurance companies such as: Chubb Insurance, Fireman’s Fund Insurance, One Beacon Insurance, Philadelphia Insurance, Travelers Insurance and many more. Mark has thought about the long-term implications of the businesses, homes and vehicles he insures. He’s dedicated to taking the time to spend a little extra money to reduce my environmental footprint as much as possible both in his personal and professional life because he believes that businesses need to be progressive and add environmental and social achievements to their measures of success.
More resources for local and socially responsible financial options
- Oregon Banks Local (for more information on local credit unions and community banks)
- Credit card options and reviews
This is a sampler to get you started. The River PDX strives to provide local and socially responsible resources that can help you align more aspects of your life with your values. If you’d like to know more about how investing in Portland real estate could fit into your long-term investment goals, we’d love the opportunity to explore that with you. Contact us to discuss how our real estate services could facilitate and enrich how you invest.
With Petals Come More Pedals
With one Sunday Parkways event already under our belts, the heart of cycling event season is getting underway. Whether you’re a fair-weather cyclist or a year-round carfree advocate, or somewhere in between, it safe to say that pedaling in Portland peaks in these summer months. Between Pedalpalooza, Sunday Parkways, the Bridge Pedal, and the Good Sport Promotion rides (including the Petal Pedal), there are organized rides for everyone.
My favorite remains the Sunday Parkways, although I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the Twilight Criterium, the “Tiny Home Tour”, and Worst Day of the Year Ride. As we get more and more consecutive days of sun and the season gets into full bloom, I’d recommend tapping into these bike events as another way to see our beautiful town and meet some of the great people of Portland. As abundant as these events are, this is only scraping the surface of what really makes up Portland’s flourishing bike culture.
If you’re coming to town, and would like some ideas for how to take advantage of Portland’s cycling culture or get around by bike, feel free to contact me. I love to ride, and I’ve worked with dozens of real estate clients who also love bikes and enjoy a lifestyle somewhere on the avid cyclist spectrum. I’m happy to be resource and get you connected with some of our great local bicycling resources. (If you’re out for Sunday Parkways, keep an eye out for a 6’8″ guy on a huge orange bike, and say “Hello.”)
Cully Grove: Cohousing Goodness with an Urban Farm Twist
"Cully Grove will be a multi-generational group of individuals and families who enjoy sharing our lives with our community. We’re working to create an old-fashioned neighborhood in a new-fashioned way." -www.cullygrove.org
Fun + Farm (big gardens) + Spirited Community + High-Performance Homes = the new breed of urban cohousing. It’s Cully Grove. Located on about 2 acres on NE Going, Cully Grove nestles 16 homes and an abundance of common amenities. They’re taking reservations now, and it’s already over 50% reserved. The founding members will be at Rose’s Ice Cream (5011 NE 42nd Ave.) on Sunday, May 15th, 4:00-5:30. Stop by to check out their site plan and floor plans and get a feel for their vision. In the meantime, take a moment to check out their talented team of inspired community developers and designers.
Clean Energy Works Oregon
Clean Energy Works Oregon is a program to offer no money down financing to weatherize and improve the energy efficiency of your home to save you money. This is a brief notice to let you know that they are offering a limited time rebate of up to $3,700 for those who apply by May 15th, 2011. Their site has everything you need, including testimonials from households that were a part of the pilot program that helped establish this program and prove its viability.
Check it out, and if you need additional recommendations for contractors to perform the work, contact me.
CONNECT
Agent Profile
In addition to offering sound real estate services, we bring a broad awareness of sustainable living and design to our practice. We thrive on making connections that help clients live and invest in alignment with their values, while supporting our local community, economy, and environment. Contact David and Steve today to learn how your next realty decision can enhance the place you call home. AGENCY INFO
1902 SE Morrison St. Portland, OR 97214
