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We have 14 providers, each with their own enormous portfolios – seems to be designed to innundate you with choices and keep you out of the system. I feel roughly like I do in the toothpaste aisle – so many differences without significant distinction.

Thanks for the offer. I may well let you know. I’ve got a date with my dad/financial advisor tonight too….

Warmly,
Jenn

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Big scary book, indeed! It’s great that your employer offers 330 investment choices — or maybe not. Some choice is good. Too much can be overwhelming.

I have some friends from Russia. The first time they entered an American supermarket they were completely overwhelmed. It was very difficult for them to re-learn how to shop (by now, of course they are the same spendthrift consumers as the rest of us.)

Let me know how your selection goes. If you get it down to a final four (or sweet 16) and want a second opinion, let me know.

Good luck,

Helen.

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I’m going to sit down with the big scary book and this post tonight and just….pick.

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Your point about emerging markets brings up another question about ethical investing – I guess it all depends on what side of the development debate you fall on whether you think investing in foreign countries is a good idea or not. But in terms of diversification, I totally see the logic.

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Glad the vis aids helped. Thanks for your help in formatting them — I think the layout is much improved.

I think that sleeping well is priceless (to paraphrase a commercial). And if it’s important to you to know that your money isn’t being used for whaling and deforestation, then it’s important. No sense giving up your principles for a little principal.

One challenge can be finding a fund that has the same definition of “socially responsible” as yourself. Some folks don’t like nuclear power, others gambling or oil. There’s a great website: Socialfunds.com to help identify some potential investments for you.

You might check out APPLX (Appleseed Fund). Pros: No load. On a hot streak. Great review in Morningstar. Cons: A bit concentrated (60% of assets in to 10 holdings). Only been in existence for a few years.

Or DFESX (DFA Emerging Markets Social Core Equity) for socially responsible large cap emerging markets (think Thailand). Pros: Good performance. No load. Low expenses. Cons: Also relatively newcomer.

I didn’t investigate these “picks” very much (so take the advice with a grain of salt) — just wanted to show that there are some good funds to consider.

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This question might be totally off topic (and if it is, I apologize), but what is your opinion of mutual funds that only invest is socially responsible companies? The guy at the bank said that it’s a really low rate of return and he didn’t recommend them. But I hate the idea of my money being used to drill for oil in ANWR or to support companies like Wal-Mart who have poor employment practices.

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