For-Profit Investing to End Slavery with Rachel McDonough

Show Notes

One of the most loved and theologically rich Christmas carols is “O Holy Night.” But is it just about Christmas? The third stanza of that carol boldly proclaims: “Chains shall he break for the slave is our brother… And in His name all oppression shall cease.” Today we’ll talk with Rachel McDonough about how investing relates to this verse.

Rachel McDonough is a Certified Financial Planner and a Certified Kingdom Advisor.

• Faith-based investing continues to grow as a movement, and we’re constantly hearing from folks who want to get involved.
• McDonough says that through our investing we can be ambassadors of Jesus so that investing becomes more than just about risk and return, but it becomes redemptive.
• McDonough calls attention to the connection between slavery and our investing. When people hear “O Holy Night,” they don’t often think about slavery. And they almost certainly don’t think about investing.
• Some of the companies many of us invest in — or from which we buy products — benefits from borderline slavery or even literal forced labor overseas.
• McDonough says it’s estimated that the supply chain currently enslaves more people today than at any other time in human history, more than 50 million worldwide. She adds that these are, sadly, people who are indirectly working for you and me … because of our shopping and investing patterns.
• It’s a problem that’s very hidden deep within the supply chain. Some industries plagued by this evil are the coffee, chocolate, seafood, and textile industries.
• McDonough says that to address this problem, we have to change the way we invest and shop.
• It’s important for us to research the products we buy and the companies from which we buy them to ensure they’re not benefiting from forced labor.
• On the investing side of the equation, she notes that there are now numerous organizations that offer faith-based investing options that screen to ensure they’re operating ethically.
• If we will care enough to slow down and learn about the options, then we can show love for our exploited neighbors across the world by changing how we invest.
• Learn more about Rachel McDonough and her services at WealthSQ.com.

On this program, Rob also answers listener questions:

• Could a Christian cost-sharing plan be a better alternative to traditional healthcare insurance?
• When does it make sense to cash in CDs early?
• When is it wise to pay off a mortgage early?

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• chministries.org
  

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