3 Tips to Align Your Portfolio with Your Values
Your principles are important to you, so important that you want to make them a key player in your investment decisions. That's admirable, but just like with any other investment decision, it's important to be smart about how you go about it.


Building a portfolio can often feel like an extremely personal endeavor. Investors may meticulously examine a stock’s or fund’s past performance, analyze sectors as a whole, research how management runs a company and more. But when it comes to portfolio allocation, the desire to align personal values with portfolio decisions is trending among investors of all ages.
More and more, investors are becoming interested in investing according to their beliefs. According to Natixis Investment Managers, “three-quarters of investors globally say it is important that they invest in companies that reflect their personal values.” And to take it a step further, it is of almost equal importance to all generations when making investment decisions that their investments are doing social good — silent generation: 67%, baby boomers: 68%, Generation X: 71% and millennials: 73%.
So, if you are an investor who wants to invest in line with your faith and/or values, how can you get started? Below are three tips to align your portfolio with what matters most to you.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
1. Define what matters to you.
At GuideStone® we focus on faith-based investing, so we screen out certain companies that do not align with our values, such as abortion, pornography, gambling, alcohol and tobacco. However, it is important to note that faith-based investing in practice is unique to each person, reflecting each individual’s passions, values and principles while taking the form of ESG (environmental, social and governance) investing, socially responsible investing, values-based investing, impact investing and so on. Define what matters to you and what you want your investments to align with (or avoid).
2. Consider mutual funds.
It can be daunting and research-intensive to create your own portfolio and investigate individual equities to make sure companies align with your values. However, there are mutual fund families that screen based on philosophies, such as faith-based or values-based investing. Mutual funds are a great solution, because they provide investors with a basket of securities that are fully vetted and not only align with a specific philosophy but are also overseen by financial professionals who monitor risk and performance on a daily basis.
3. Talk to your adviser.
If you want to incorporate values into your portfolio, be transparent with your adviser so he or she can act on your behalf to research stocks or funds that align with your preferences. While studies show there is interest in faith-based investing, we do see a disconnect between wanting to invest in this way and actually getting the ball rolling. Unfortunately, many investors are not even aware of their faith-based investing options because advisers are not broaching the subject with them. Make it clear what your values are and how you want them to align with your investment options.
As faith-based investing continues to trend upward, we believe it will become more common to discuss aligning values with investments. Until then, we recommend placing a figurative stake in the ground with your adviser by conveying that this concept should be considered when determining your long-term investment allocations.
Your values likely dictate many of your day-to-day decisions, so why should your investing habits be any different? Take control of your portfolio and understand that through certain mutual funds, you can align your wealth with your values and still maintain meaningful portfolio returns.
For more information on GuideStone Funds®, visit GuideStoneFunds.com.
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Will Lofland is director and head of intermediary distribution at GuideStone Funds based in Dallas, Texas. In addition, Will oversees GuideStone's shareholder advocacy strategy and represents the firm as a participant in the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility.
-
Stocks Can't Hold Meta, Microsoft Gains: Stock Market Today
The main indexes all opened higher Thursday on impressive Big Tech earnings, but momentum faded into the close.
-
Retirement Health Care Costs Are On the Rise: What You Need to Know
A 65-year-old retiree will face significantly higher lifetime health care costs than they would have a year ago, even with Medicare. Here are the surprising totals.
-
You Don't Have to Be Wealthy to Need a Wealth Manager
Navigating complex financial decisions is hard on your own, no matter how much money you have. A wealth manager can provide comprehensive financial planning, investment management, risk management and more.
-
Despite Tariffs, These Investment Experts Are Bullish on European Equities
European equities were one of the better-performing investments during the first half of 2025. They could be a good long-term prospect for U.S. investors needing to diversify, according to these investment managers.
-
How Do You Know You Are Ready for a Gray Divorce? 15 Yes-or-No Questions
As more people 50 and older get divorced, many splits are initiated by women who want a new path. Answer these 15 questions to see if you might need to think about how you should move forward.
-
'Buy Now, Pay Later' for Everyday Spending? This Financial Pro Thinks It's Risky
'Buy Now, Pay Later' apps can get you out of a jam when you need money quickly. But using them regularly for small purchases could create problems.
-
Five Things to Consider Before Rolling Your 401(k) into a Roth IRA
Converting at least some of an old 401(k) to a Roth IRA can offer long-term tax benefits and retirement flexibility, especially if you anticipate being in a higher tax bracket later or wish to leave a tax-free legacy.
-
From Dream Apartment to Nightmare: When Your Landlord Evicts You Through No Fault of Your Own
This is what I suggested a tenant do to get out of her lease after her landlord's inexperience and lack of action made her rental situation unsafe. It's a legal situation called 'constructive eviction.'
-
Six Steps to Being Empowered and On Track: An Expert Financial Guide for Women
While most female investors feel on track with their financial goals and empowered by managing their investments, many regret not starting sooner. Here's how you can get started and take control of your financial future.
-
Selling Your Business? This Powerful Insurance Option Unlocks Multigenerational Wealth
Private placement life insurance (PPLI) offers almost unbelievable investment flexibility, estate planning and tax advantages. And it's completely legit.