4 Resolutions for a Year of Sustainable Finance

Looking to add sustainability-focused resolutions to your list? Your money can help you achieve them. While we rarely connect money with sustainability, how we bank, save, and invest can either harm or help the planet. Simple changes to your financial habits can make a significant impact.

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Build Green Retirement Savings

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Make your retirement savings work for climate action by reviewing your 401(k) investments. The average American in their fifties has $160,000 in their retirement account, but only 0.1% of 401(k) funds are invested in environmentally responsible companies — leaving significant room for impact. Most people don't realize they have roughly $6,000 invested in fossil fuels through their retirement accounts. By choosing where your retirement funds go, you can align your long-term savings with positive environmental impact while securing your financial future.

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To learn how to get started, check out Commons' Guide to Green Retirement Savings

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Switch to Green Credit Cards

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You can make your credit cards work for the planet by switching to green credit cards that avoid financing fossil fuel companies. Even if you bank with a sustainable institution, your credit card might still be linked to a megabank funding fossil fuel giants and other polluting industries. If moving to a green credit card isn't an option right now, put your rewards points to work by donating them to environmental organizations fighting for positive change.

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Here are 5 Green Credit Cards from Sustainable Banks

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Move your Savings Account to a Sustainable Bank

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Make a resolution to move your savings account to a sustainable bank in 2025. Your savings account, while secure, can indirectly support fossil fuel projects through the bank's investments. You can align your money with your values by switching to a sustainable bank that actively finances sustainable projects such as electric vehicles, solar and wind farms, and energy-efficient housing developments.

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Check out these 5 Savings Accounts with Sustainable Banks to get started with your transition.

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Socially-Responsible Investing

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Consider sustainable investing as a powerful way to grow your wealth while supporting environmental and social progress. ESG (environmental, social, and governance) funds have shown competitive returns while supporting positive change. Take action by telling your financial advisor you want fossil-fuel-free investments or use sustainable investing apps like Acorn, Stash, or Betterment to manage your own portfolio. With ESG investments growing rapidly and many user-friendly options available, there's never been a better time to make your money match your values.

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If you are new to this, here are Eight Ways to Get Started with Socially-Responsible Investing

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