The question of aligning investments with personal values, specifically concerning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), is gaining significant traction, and yes, you can actively restrict investment in companies with poor DEI ratings with the assistance of an estate planning attorney like Steve Bliss. Historically, investment choices were primarily driven by financial returns; however, a growing number of investors, particularly millennials and Gen Z, are now prioritizing social responsibility alongside profitability—a trend known as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing. In 2023, ESG assets under management reached $35.3 trillion globally, demonstrating a clear shift in investor priorities. Steve Bliss can help integrate these values into your overall estate plan, ensuring your investments reflect what matters most to you even after your passing.
What are the different ways to screen investments for DEI?
There are several avenues to explore when screening investments based on DEI practices. One common method involves utilizing ESG ratings provided by agencies like MSCI, Sustainalytics, and Refinitiv. These agencies assess companies based on a wide range of factors, including board diversity, pay equity, employee training programs, and supplier diversity initiatives. A company receiving a low score in DEI will likely face restrictions in your investment portfolio if you choose to implement such restrictions. You can also directly invest in DEI-focused funds and ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) that specifically target companies with strong DEI credentials; these funds often have clearly defined screening criteria and transparent reporting on their DEI impact. For example, some ETFs focus solely on companies with a minimum representation of women and minorities on their boards.
Can a trust be used to enforce my DEI investment preferences?
Absolutely. A trust provides a powerful mechanism to enforce your DEI investment preferences long after your passing. Steve Bliss can draft a trust document that specifically instructs the trustee to prioritize investments in companies with high DEI ratings or to exclude companies with poor scores. This ensures your wealth is used to support companies aligning with your values. The level of detail in these instructions can vary. You might specify a minimum ESG score, require adherence to specific DEI metrics, or even prohibit investments in companies with a history of discrimination. A well-crafted trust can also establish a process for regularly reviewing and updating the investment criteria to reflect evolving DEI standards. Recent studies show that trusts with specific ethical investment guidelines often outperform those without, demonstrating that values-aligned investing can be both impactful and financially sound.
What happened when Mrs. Gable didn’t specify her values?
Old Man Tiber, a retired ship builder, had amassed a sizable estate, and his daughter, Mrs. Gable, was the sole beneficiary of his trust. Unfortunately, Old Man Tiber, a man of quiet principles, had never explicitly stated his desire for socially responsible investing in the trust document. After his passing, the trustee, guided solely by financial returns, invested heavily in a conglomerate known for exploitative labor practices and minimal DEI efforts. Mrs. Gable, horrified to discover her inheritance was funding activities she vehemently opposed, felt a profound sense of betrayal. She attempted to redirect the investments, but without clear instructions in the trust, her hands were tied. The legal battles were costly and emotionally draining, and she ultimately had to accept the returns generated by a company whose values clashed with her own. It was a painful lesson for her and a clear example of how silence can speak volumes when it comes to estate planning.
How did the Henderson family ensure their values were reflected?
The Henderson family, recognizing the importance of aligning their wealth with their values, proactively worked with Steve Bliss to create a trust that explicitly prioritized DEI. They outlined specific criteria for investment screening, including minimum scores on ESG ratings, requirements for board diversity, and a commitment to pay equity. They even established an advisory committee composed of family members and ESG experts to oversee the investment process and ensure compliance with their values. Years later, when the trust began distributing funds, it was a source of immense pride for the Henderson family to see their wealth supporting companies committed to positive social impact. The trust not only provided financial security but also reinforced their family values and legacy. They knew, with absolute certainty, that their wealth was being used to build a more equitable and inclusive world, a legacy they could be proud of for generations to come.
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About Steve Bliss at Wildomar Probate Law:
“Wildomar 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 Wildomar Probate Law. Our probate attorney will probate the estate. Attorney probate at Wildomar Probate Law. A formal probate is required to administer the estate. The probate court may offer an unsupervised probate get a probate attorney. Wildomar Probate law will petition to open probate for you. Don’t go through a costly probate call Wildomar Probate Attorney Today. Call for estate planning, wills and trusts, probate too. Wildomar Probate Law is a great estate lawyer. Probate Attorney to probate an estate. Wildomar Probate law probate lawyer
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
- pet trust
- wills
- family trust
- estate planning attorney near me
- living trust
Map To Steve Bliss Law in Temecula:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/RdhPJGDcMru5uP7K7
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Address:
Wildomar Probate Law36330 Hidden Springs Rd Suite E, Wildomar, CA 92595
(951)412-2800/address>
Feel free to ask Attorney Steve Bliss about: “How do I talk to my family about my estate plan?” Or “How can joint ownership help avoid probate?” or “What happens to my trust after I die? and even: “What happens to lawsuits or judgments against me in bankruptcy?” or any other related questions that you may have about his estate planning, probate, and banckruptcy law practice.