Inheritance and what to do

[SHRED]

I am coming into a chunk of money here soon.
About 400k I think.

My initial plan is to pay off my minor debts and place the rest on hold in CD's until I develop a plan.

I have been advised regarding Vanguard and the Index 500 mutual fund option.
My problem is I don't want the money investing in destructive corporations and the Index 500, I am sure, is loaded with them.

Can someone direct me to where I can learn about investing in socially conscience Mutual Funds that are secure, environmental, and advocate human rights?

Thanks

[A HERETIC I AM]

1. If your desire is to invest strictly in a socially conscious way

Then you have several options.

Two Mutual Fund families that offer screened Mutual Funds, where the fund manager is careful to pick stocks from firms that meet a certain criteria, ie: good environmental & health history, avoiding weapons makers or companies that historically pollute, etc. are Domini Funds and The Calvert Group.

Sensible Investor.com has resources for similar styles as does Social Funds.com

http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/">Sustainable Business.com is another site that lists publicly traded companies that fit that sleeve.

I know many DU'rs tout Vanguard and Fidelity Index Mutual Funds, but you must be willing to watch your portfolio rise and fall with the index if you use that type of fund. If the Beta of a fund or your portfolio is at or near 1.00, that means your account balance will rise and fall just like the index.


My condolences on the loss of your loved one.

Invested wisely and averaging 8% per year, your $400,000 could be almost $2,000,000 in 20 years.

On edit to add the following links;
Barclays iShares and Invesco Powershares offer Exchange Traded Funds that fit this investment style also. You can find a list of them and other ETF's on the Sustainable Business link above. Just click "Progressive Investor" at the top and then "Sustainable Stocks" on the left. Scroll down for the "Clean Tech Indexes".

[SHRED]

2. thanks ...

And thanks for the condolences.