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by Jerry Wade
Statistics show that the average family with investments has approximately $130,000 committed to mutual funds. Sadly, most Americans — including many of the pro-family voters who raised a clear standard for morality and traditional values in the last election — are either unaware or unconcerned that their investments are contributing dramatically to our nation’s moral decay. The truth is that a majority of families have allowed their investments to be structured in a secular fashion, with large quantities of their portfolios supporting abortion, pornography, and anti-family entertainment. Shockingly, this problem is not limited to individual investors. Research shows that the 401(k) and pension plans of many conservative Christian organizations include billions of dollars of investments in companies diametrically opposed to core Christian values. What are some of those companies? How about Vivendi Universal, a popular investment option in mutual funds and brokerage accounts? Many pro-family investors may own stock in this company and not even know it. Vivendi Universal is a multinational conglomerate whose holdings in the U.S. include Interscope Records. Interscope is at the top of America’s pop music industry today, and has a stable of celebrities that includes some of the most foul-mouthed and morally objectionable recording “artists” in post-modern history — “singers” with names like 50 Cent, Eminem, Marilyn Manson, and the late 2Pac Shakur. Suffice it to say that records by some of these folks are rife with sexually explicit and violent lyrics — and are heavily marketed to America’s youth. Do you hear the alarm bells ringing? Let’s try a couple more companies found in the portfolios of pro-family investors. Do you or your employer own stock in broadcast media giants Fox or Viacom? You might recognize the Fox television network for its leading role in giving conservative values airtime through its news coverage and talk shows. Unfortunately, Fox also airs some of the most immoral, anti-Christian, and anti-family programming on television — during prime time — including Arrested Development, The OC, and That ’70s Show. Similarly, Viacom owns CBS, the television network that fields such popular — and objectionable — shows as The Late Show With David Letterman, Two and a Half Men, and Without a Trace. Viacom also owns MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, and Showtime, four cable television networks that have been pumping moral sewage into the hearts and minds of young people for more than 20 years. Like any free-market venture, the stock market functions on supply and demand. And like all other businesses, it is subject to the feedback of consumers. If the millions of conservative pro-family Americans who invest in the stock market were to awaken and begin to invest in companies that share their values, we would likely see a significant impact on the stock prices and profits of many publicly traded companies. This might seem like a tall order, but by actively seeking out investment alternatives and advisors who respect pro-family values, you can begin to help turn the tide. The first step is likely to be somewhat uncomfortable for many: Subject your investment portfolio to both self-evaluation, as well as that of a financial expert who shares your values. While you may have a solid Christian, pro-family perspective with regards to politics and public life, it’s very possible that your private investment files are chock full of moral contradictions. If you have more than $100,000 in investments, I recommend that you seek the guidance of a “fee-only” financial advisor, one who is a member of both the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) and the National Association of Christian Financial Counselors (NACFC). Such an independent, pro-family advisor can provide you access to low-cost, high-performance, morally screened portfolios based on your pro-family and moral values. If you have less than $100,000 to invest you still have some excellent options. Take a close look at mutual fund groups like Ave Maria and the Timothy Plan. Ave Maria was initially funded by Thomas Monaghan, the founder of Dominos Pizza. Monaghan, a conservative Catholic, was looking for a way that he and like-minded investors could invest in a manner that was consistent with their conservative values. Similarly, the Timothy Plan mutual fund group is also a staunch proponent of family values. Of the two groups, Ave Maria has fewer fund choices, but also has lower fees and a better performance record. Another option that has performed well is the “Integrity 100” account, which aggressively screens out stocks with ties to abortion, pornography, anti-family entertainment, and non-married lifestyles. Over the last 17 months (as of December 17, 2004), this pro-family stock account has delivered 35 percent, beating the S&P 500 index by a whopping 11 percent. Who says you can’t invest consistent with your values and make money at the same time? If you invest in mutual funds or a 401(k) plan and aren’t actively screening your stocks, it is likely you are invested in companies with ties to pornography, the abortion industry, and anti-family entertainment. It’s time to take moral “stock” of your investment portfolios. The good news is that you can re-align your investments so they agree with your pro-family values and improve your returns in the process. Now that’s a win-win situation! Mr. Wade, a Registered Investment Advisor, is president of Wade Financial Group. His website is www.profamilyinvesting.com. He can be reached at 763-797-9577. |
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Minnesota Family Council / Minnesota Family Institute 2855 Anthony Lane South, Minneapolis MN, 55418-3265 Phone 612.789.8811, FAX 612.789.8858, www.mfc.org |