What is Social(k)?
Social(k) is all about helping you grow your retirement savings while making a positive impact on our planet. It’s a unique approach that harnesses shareholder power to create lasting change. By focusing on investments that meet Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, Social(k) offers a way to invest responsibly without sacrificing financial goals. Think of it as a green retirement plan that’s designed to help you sleep better at night, knowing your money is working for both your future and the environment.
Main Benefits of Social(k)
Here’s what makes Social(k) stand out:
- Offers hundreds of ESG-screened investments backed by extensive financial research
- Structured into traditional mutual funds for familiar, accessible investing
- The Big Green Retirement Plan includes full fiduciary services: 3(38) investment oversight, 3(16) administrative services, and trustee services
- Helps free up Human Resources by outsourcing plan management to professionals
- Flat pricing designed to save money while transferring liability
- Enables both individual and institutional investors to align their investments with their values
Aligning Investments with Your Values
One of the biggest challenges with mutual funds has been the lack of transparency—hard to know exactly what companies you’re invested in. Social(k) changes that. By partnering with As You Sow, Social(k) screens mutual fund holdings against specific environmental, social, and governance issues. This means investors can finally see what’s inside their funds and make choices that truly reflect their values. It’s a game-changer for anyone who wants their money to do more than just grow.
The Power of Transparency
Transparency is key when it comes to responsible investing. Social(k) provides free online tools that reveal the companies embedded in your mutual funds. This clarity allows investors to apply a values lens when evaluating their portfolios. Fund managers are encouraged to build more responsive investment vehicles, and companies face market pressure to improve their ESG practices. It’s a ripple effect that starts with knowing exactly what you own.
How Social(k) Supports Retirement Plans
The Big Green Retirement Plan isn’t just about picking good investments—it’s a full fiduciary product. That means it offers comprehensive services including 3(38) investment oversight, 3(16) administrative support, and trustee services. For employers, this translates to less hassle and more peace of mind. Human Resources teams can focus on other priorities while professionals handle the plan. Plus, flat pricing helps save money and shifts liability away from the company. It’s a smart, sustainable solution for retirement planning.
Social(k)’s Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
Why Choose Social(k) for Your Retirement?
Choosing Social(k) means more than just investing—it’s about taking responsibility for where your money goes. Whether you’re an individual investor or part of an institution, Social(k) helps you align your financial goals with your values. It’s a way to confront big business and push for better environmental and social outcomes. With Social(k), your retirement plan becomes a tool for positive change, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice ethics for returns. In fact, you can have both.
