Investing with Justice and Purpose with Stella Tai

What if your portfolio could help advance justice, compassion, and human flourishing?Aligning your investments with your faith isn’t just about avoiding harm—but actively shaping the world around them for good. Stella Tai joins us to talk about how investors are putting their values to work in the marketplace.Stella Tai is the Stewardship Investing Impact and Analysis Manager for Praxis Investment Management, an underwriter of Faith & Finance.Faith-Based Investing in Action: Praxis’ 2024 Impact ReportFor many believers, investing isn’t just about building wealth—it’s about aligning financial decisions with faith values. Praxis Investment Management, a pioneer in faith-based investing since 1994, continues to demonstrate how Christians can utilize their investments to promote justice, compassion, and tangible change in the world. In its latest Impact Report, Praxis highlights how investor dollars are transforming communities and influencing some of the world’s largest companies.Shaping a more just and compassionate world is something that’s important to many investors, particularly those of faith. Praxis’ annual report reveals where the money goes and how it’s used, inspiring others to view their investments as powerful tools for making a difference.Praxis organizes its efforts around seven “impact strategies,” which support underserved communities, promote responsible business practices, and bring faith into everyday financial decisions.Speaking Truth to Power: Shareholder AdvocacyOne highlight of the report is Praxis’s work in shareholder advocacy with global brands like Nike.Nike employs over a million people worldwide, many of whom are based in vulnerable regions. Praxis is part of a coalition pushing for stronger human rights protections in the supply chain, including safeguards against wage theft and exploitation. Every worker deserves to have their God-given dignity respected.Praxis is also collaborating with companies such as Coca-Cola and Nestlé to address child labor and wage theft in the global sugar supply chain, advocating for third-party audits and increased transparency.Positive Impact Bonds: Financing ChangeBeyond advocacy, Praxis invests in bonds that directly benefit communities. Recent purchases include:World Bank IDA Program Bonds, targeting extreme poverty with measurable results.Green and Sustainable Bonds from Freddie Mac, which expand affordable housing and environmental stewardship.These investments generate jobs, improve access to healthcare, and help communities thrive—all while providing competitive financial returns.Real Stories of TransformationPraxis’ report also shares stories of hope, such as the expansion of Always Keep Progressing, a Miami therapy center that serves children with special needs. Through investment partnerships, the clinic now helps more than 400 families.This is redemptive investing in action. It’s about fostering human flourishing, not just financial gain.Praxis also partners with Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and credit unions that serve neighborhoods often overlooked by traditional banking systems. These organizations offer small business loans, enhance access to healthcare, and provide support to underserved rural and urban areas.Whether here in the U.S. or abroad, CDFIs are helping communities gain access to capital and create opportunities.The Momentum of Faith-Based InvestingMore Christians are realizing that their portfolios can reflect their values.Scripture calls us to care for the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the foreigner. When our faith aligns with our financial actions, even small changes can move markets toward justice.This includes proxy voting, which Praxis views as a form of corporate discipleship—using investor influence to advocate for fair labor, environmental stewardship, and other critical issues.How to Get StartedStart by asking yourself a simple but important question: “Do my investments reflect my faith values?” If the answer is no—or you’re not sure—consider talking with a financial professional who understands faith-based investing. Every investor, whether managing a little or a lot, can play a role in shaping a redemptive economy. That’s why we recommend connecting with a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA). To find one near you, visit FaithFi.com and click “Find a Professional.”Praxis’ Impact Report offers practical insights and inspiring stories of transformation. You can access it at PraxisInvests.com, along with quarterly updates and resources to help you make informed, faith-driven investment decisions.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I’d like to set up a trust that distributes money to my children monthly after my death, rather than giving them a lump sum. How is a trust manager typically compensated? Are they paid with each monthly distribution, or do they take a percentage?I’m 71, retired, and using a managed account to supplement my retirement income by withdrawing about 4.2% annually. Is this a wise approach for sustaining my retirement, or should I consider other strategies?I just turned 66 and plan to file for Social Security soon. My goal is to be debt-free by the time I retire. Should I use my Social Security benefits over the next couple of years to pay off my mortgages so I can enter retirement without debt?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Praxis Investment ManagementWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.