Explore Alternatives

Alternatives encompass all the investments that do not fit in the conventional asset classes of cash, fixed income, and public equities. Even private investments are usually considered to be alternatives. Currency, gold, real estate, natural resources, art—virtually anything you can buy and sell—can be an alternative. The possibilities within the category of alternatives are almost endless, and their risk/return profiles are all over the map.

Why consider alternatives?

People invest in these assets for a variety of reasons. They may be pursuing portfolio diversification, a hedge against inflation, opportunities to grow wealth, or a personal interest. This article from the Aspen Fund gives six reasons why you might want to consider putting your money into more than just cash, stocks, and bonds. The options for accredited and nonaccredited investors are different, but it is possible to invest in alternatives for as little as $100.

Browse through some alternative investment options:

The Activate Your Money website provides even more resources that you can explore as you consider non-traditional investments.

Should you decide that you want to work with a financial advisor or are ready to make a change, we can help you Find Values-Aligned Financial Advisors.

  • Sustainable Energy

    The ETF Database contains a comprehensive list of solar, wind, and other alternative energy stock funds for those who want to put some of their money to work in publicly traded companies that are advancing more sustainable sources of power.

  • Affordable Housing

    A growing concern in many cities and communities across the country, this nine-minute Business Insider interview gives an overview of affordable housing and how some investors are using their assets to address this critical issue.

  • Sustainable Agriculture

    Initiated more than a decade ago, Slow Money is a movement to support local food systems as a means of addressing climate change, health and community resilience. Financing Our Foodshed: Growing Local Food with Slow Money, a book by Carol Peppe Hewitt, is a personal account of how the author helped spearhead a Slow Money group in North Carolina.

  • Crowdfunding

    YieldTalk hosts Crowdfunding Investment Websites on its website. The site lists over 100 crowdfunding platforms. Real estate, agriculture, venture funds, cryptocurrency, and even art and collectibles are listed here. There are opportunities for both non-accredited and accredited investors. While most of these sites are not focused on socially responsible investing, we did find some that are, such as AgFunder, CNote, Crowdfund Mainstreet, and Milk Money.

Invest for Better Circles provide the opportunity to join with other women to consider these options, perform research, and perhaps even invest together.

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