The question of aligning investment strategies with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles is gaining significant traction, and the answer is increasingly, yes, you can, particularly within the framework of a well-structured estate plan and trust. Steve Bliss, as an experienced Living Trust & Estate Planning Attorney in Escondido, often guides clients through these nuanced financial decisions, ensuring their values are reflected in their long-term wealth management. It’s no longer simply about financial returns; many investors are seeking to make a positive impact through their portfolios, and trusts offer a powerful mechanism to achieve this. The ability to restrict investment based on ESG – Environmental, Social, and Governance – factors, including DEI, is becoming more readily available through specialized investment options and carefully drafted trust documents.
What are the options for socially responsible investing?
Socially responsible investing (SRI), impact investing, and ESG investing are all terms used to describe investment strategies that consider factors beyond purely financial metrics. Currently, approximately 30% of all assets under management in the US incorporate some form of ESG consideration, a number projected to reach 50% by 2025 (source: MSCI). This growing demand has led to a proliferation of mutual funds, ETFs, and individual stocks specifically screened for DEI performance. Steve Bliss emphasizes the importance of understanding the methodologies behind these screenings, as they can vary significantly. Some funds may simply exclude companies with poor DEI records, while others may actively invest in companies demonstrating leadership in these areas. For example, there are funds that focus on companies with diverse boards, inclusive hiring practices, and equitable pay structures.
How can a trust be used to enforce DEI investment criteria?
A Living Trust, expertly drafted by an attorney like Steve Bliss, allows you to specify precisely how your assets should be invested. This level of control is crucial when you want to enforce specific DEI criteria. Within the trust document, you can include clauses that direct the trustee to prioritize investments in companies with high DEI ratings, or to exclude those with consistently low scores. “We often work with clients to define specific metrics, like the percentage of women or minorities on a company’s board, or its employee diversity statistics,” says Steve Bliss. This ensures that your financial legacy aligns with your values, even after you’re no longer able to make those decisions yourself. This isn’t merely about positive values; it’s about mitigating risk—companies with poor DEI practices are increasingly exposed to reputational and legal risks, which can negatively impact investment returns.
What happened when my uncle didn’t plan for values-based investing?
My uncle, a passionate advocate for social justice, amassed a considerable estate. However, he never integrated his values into his investment strategy. After his passing, it was discovered that a significant portion of his wealth was invested in companies actively contributing to practices he vehemently opposed. His family, unaware of his deeper beliefs, continued the investments based solely on financial performance, unknowingly perpetuating systems he’d spent his life fighting against. The discord was palpable. It wasn’t just about the money; it was about the betrayal of his principles. This is a common scenario Steve Bliss sees, and it highlights the critical importance of proactive estate planning that encompasses not only financial goals but also personal values. The lack of foresight led to significant emotional distress for the family, and ultimately, a fractured legacy.
How did proactive planning save the day for the Peterson family?
The Peterson family came to Steve Bliss with a similar desire – to ensure their wealth reflected their commitment to DEI. We crafted a trust document that specifically mandated investments in companies with a minimum score on established DEI rating scales. When their trust came into effect, the initial portfolio was reviewed and adjusted to meet these criteria. While it involved some strategic rebalancing and acceptance of potentially slightly lower returns in certain sectors, the Peterson family found immense satisfaction in knowing their wealth was actively supporting companies that shared their values. Their children and grandchildren were deeply grateful, seeing it as a powerful demonstration of their parents’ and grandparents’ commitment to building a more equitable future. This example perfectly illustrates how a Living Trust can be a powerful tool for aligning wealth with values and creating a lasting legacy of positive impact.
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About Steve Bliss at Escondido Probate Law:
Escondido Probate Law is an experienced probate attorney. The probate process has many steps in in probate proceedings. Beside Probate, estate planning and trust administration is offered at Escondido Probate Law. Our probate attorney will probate the estate. Attorney probate at Escondido Probate Law. A formal probate is required to administer the estate. The probate court may offer an unsupervised probate get a probate attorney. Escondido Probate law will petition to open probate for you. Don’t go through a costly probate call Escondido Probate Attorney Today. Call for estate planning, wills and trusts, probate too. Escondido Probate Law is a great estate lawyer. Affordable Legal Services.
My skills are as follows:
● Probate Law: Efficiently navigate the court process.
● Estate Planning Law: Minimize taxes & distribute assets smoothly.
● Trust Law: Protect your legacy & loved ones with wills & trusts.
● Bankruptcy Law: Knowledgeable guidance helping clients regain financial stability.
● Compassionate & client-focused. We explain things clearly.
● Free consultation.
Services Offered:
| estate planning | revocable living trust | wills |
| living trust | family trust | irrevocable trust |
Map To Steve Bliss Law in Temecula:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/oKQi5hQwZ26gkzpe9
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Address:
Escondido Probate Law720 N Broadway #107, Escondido, CA 92025
(760)884-4044
Feel free to ask Attorney Steve Bliss about: “How do trusts help avoid family disputes?” Or “How do I find out if probate has been filed for someone who passed away?” or “What types of property can go into a living trust? and even: “Will I lose everything if I file for bankruptcy?” or any other related questions that you may have about his estate planning, probate, and banckruptcy law practice.