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The Ethical Investor: How to Quit Toxic Companies and Grow Your Wealth
The essential, practical guide to growing your wealth while making a difference
Is the money in your bank account helping to fund the fossil fuel and tobacco industries? Do you know which companies your superannuation is invested in? Want to put your money where your ethics are but have no idea where to start? Journalist Nicole Haddow is passionate about financial freedom, but as an investment novice she wants to find out - is it possible to grow wealth while also doing your bit for the planet and its population?
In The Ethical Investor , Nicole guides us through the steps she takes to ensure her hard-earned cash isn't going straight into the pockets of toxic companies. She reassesses what her money currently contributes to and seeks ways to make her strategies greener, chatting with industry experts on everything from superannuation and shares to neo banks and apps to help you get started in micro-investing. Nicole shares the necessary changes she is making to have a superannuation account that's investing in ethical organisations, a share portfolio on a limited budget with investments in a range of growing sustainable businesses and a strategy for making her home more sustainable. And now you can too!
Is the money in your bank account helping to fund the fossil fuel and tobacco industries? Do you know which companies your superannuation is invested in? Want to put your money where your ethics are but have no idea where to start? Journalist Nicole Haddow is passionate about financial freedom, but as an investment novice she wants to find out - is it possible to grow wealth while also doing your bit for the planet and its population?
In The Ethical Investor , Nicole guides us through the steps she takes to ensure her hard-earned cash isn't going straight into the pockets of toxic companies. She reassesses what her money currently contributes to and seeks ways to make her strategies greener, chatting with industry experts on everything from superannuation and shares to neo banks and apps to help you get started in micro-investing. Nicole shares the necessary changes she is making to have a superannuation account that's investing in ethical organisations, a share portfolio on a limited budget with investments in a range of growing sustainable businesses and a strategy for making her home more sustainable. And now you can too!
240 pages, Paperback
Published February 1, 2022
20 people are currently reading
329 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Haddow
5 books16 followersNicole Haddow is a journalist and communications professional. Her books Smashed Avocado, The Ethical Investor and Couple Goals are out now. An audio edition of Couple Goals can be found on Spotify and Audible.
Nicole lives in regional Victoria with her husband, Sam, and their fur girls, Frankie and Olive.
instagram: @nicolehaddow
Nicole lives in regional Victoria with her husband, Sam, and their fur girls, Frankie and Olive.
instagram: @nicolehaddow
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 2, 2022
I read quite a few financial books and often get some interesting tips from each. This book really made me think about where my current investments are going. I didn’t even know about ethical investment funds. I am definitely going to check out some of the ethical investments and do some more research into this.
April 17, 2025
My financial literacy is pretty limited, but I am wanting to learn more about mullah and how to put my money where my mouth is. This was a great place to start, very appreciative of it.
February 9, 2022
A clear window into the world of responsibility in finance - a concept still maturing and often mired in complexity. Nicole does a great job in breaking down the barriers in this field to reduce uncertainty. Ideal for the reader that wants to help change the status quo of how money is run in this country but also doesn't know where to begin themselves.
Although sometimes the conclusions remain murky in terms of where your money goes when banking, investing, or purchasing, this is a fault of the system riddled with poor incentive alignment and tragedy of the commons - not of the book itself.
The book frequently references property ownership (a pertinent topic for 20 and 30-something first home buyers) which can seem contradictory in the scope of ethical investing. Buying property the way it is now is a great way to prolong the extensive unsustainable practices involved in the economy. What seemed like a staunch supporter of transforming the way we think and demand change as a consumer group sometimes reverted back to customary sentiment which diluted the overall message.
In sum, a great read for those wanting to begin on this admirable path which looks to continually improve, especially with material like this to inform a wider audience.
Although sometimes the conclusions remain murky in terms of where your money goes when banking, investing, or purchasing, this is a fault of the system riddled with poor incentive alignment and tragedy of the commons - not of the book itself.
The book frequently references property ownership (a pertinent topic for 20 and 30-something first home buyers) which can seem contradictory in the scope of ethical investing. Buying property the way it is now is a great way to prolong the extensive unsustainable practices involved in the economy. What seemed like a staunch supporter of transforming the way we think and demand change as a consumer group sometimes reverted back to customary sentiment which diluted the overall message.
In sum, a great read for those wanting to begin on this admirable path which looks to continually improve, especially with material like this to inform a wider audience.
June 9, 2022
As someone with some knowledge on investing already, I skimmed a lot of the sections that explain the basics such as what ETFs, micro investing ect are. However, This book is perfect for first time investors that need guidance by following Nicole as she goes through the process of her ethical investment journey.
It was confronting to read about how the impacts of climate change are sooner than we think and we need to start to make meaningful change and prepare ourselves for the future. Even small changes in the decisions we make financially and in our lifestyle can make a huge difference. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on sustainable living and housing.
I definitely got something out of this book that I didn’t know before and excited to apply the new knowledge and make more ethical decisions to investing in the future.
It was confronting to read about how the impacts of climate change are sooner than we think and we need to start to make meaningful change and prepare ourselves for the future. Even small changes in the decisions we make financially and in our lifestyle can make a huge difference. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on sustainable living and housing.
I definitely got something out of this book that I didn’t know before and excited to apply the new knowledge and make more ethical decisions to investing in the future.
March 30, 2022
A practical and challenging read. Particularly helpful to better understand where my money is already being invested via superannuation and everyday banking, and what options are available that better align with my convictions.
February 9, 2022
Nicole writes like she’s your big sister - both clever, funny and relatable in turns - this book is a great introduction to ethical and sustainable life generally.
Pitched as a book on investing, this book is more a zanny essay on how easy and lucrative it is to be “good” in the 21st century as a Zennial.
There’s not a shred of vegan zero-sum virtue signalling to be found - Haddow writes with the practicality of actually having to live the life she aspires, when the finances, access and even emotional labour required can make it harder.
All in all, the book is a fantastic introduction to making money, trying to be ethical and do so within the very real constrains of modern life.
It’s an uplifting read and makes me think there’s some hope left for the planet yet.
Pitched as a book on investing, this book is more a zanny essay on how easy and lucrative it is to be “good” in the 21st century as a Zennial.
There’s not a shred of vegan zero-sum virtue signalling to be found - Haddow writes with the practicality of actually having to live the life she aspires, when the finances, access and even emotional labour required can make it harder.
All in all, the book is a fantastic introduction to making money, trying to be ethical and do so within the very real constrains of modern life.
It’s an uplifting read and makes me think there’s some hope left for the planet yet.
February 26, 2022
If you're looking for a step-by-step how to on ethical investing this book is not for you. However, if you want to experience the journey of ethical investing from the perspective of a novice just starting to dip their toes in the water, this is a great read. Easy to follow, the book outlines different options to explore including super, shares and which institution you bank with. It outlines some of the new entrants to ethical investing markets and the author gets the inside-scoop from some of the leaders and new players in the Australian market. While not a how-to, this book is a great starting place for anyone interested in the future of investing and wanting a starting point for their ethical investing journey.
May 12, 2023
3.5 stars
A solid introduction into Ethical Investing.
I am lucky to have already been with Future Super, Up Bank, and Pearler before reading this book, but I found it validating to see that my reasons for choosing the platforms I’ve chosen were the same as the author’s.
I’m very glad Nicole Haddow gives many examples of shares to look into for ethical investing, and each topic is well explained.
I think if I was just starting on the path of ethical investing I would have given this book a higher rating, but as it stands I’m a bit further down the path than I thought, so the book wasn’t as helpful to me personally.
I would still highly recommend it to my friends and family!
A solid introduction into Ethical Investing.
I am lucky to have already been with Future Super, Up Bank, and Pearler before reading this book, but I found it validating to see that my reasons for choosing the platforms I’ve chosen were the same as the author’s.
I’m very glad Nicole Haddow gives many examples of shares to look into for ethical investing, and each topic is well explained.
I think if I was just starting on the path of ethical investing I would have given this book a higher rating, but as it stands I’m a bit further down the path than I thought, so the book wasn’t as helpful to me personally.
I would still highly recommend it to my friends and family!
July 28, 2023
3.5 stars.
There’s quite a few things I don’t agree on in this book 1.) That there is such thing as ethical pornography, 2.) A lot of the climate change/carbon emission stuff that the author writes heavily about.
Overall, however, The Ethical Investor is a very important book. I have been interested in ethical investing since coming to Australia in 2018 and realising there are more ways to invest your retirement fund. Ethical investing is a fairly new topic that is gaining traction and I believe that this book helps tremendously to propel EI awareness.
I did enjoy reading this and recommend it to anyone who is remotely interested in Ethical investing.
There’s quite a few things I don’t agree on in this book 1.) That there is such thing as ethical pornography, 2.) A lot of the climate change/carbon emission stuff that the author writes heavily about.
Overall, however, The Ethical Investor is a very important book. I have been interested in ethical investing since coming to Australia in 2018 and realising there are more ways to invest your retirement fund. Ethical investing is a fairly new topic that is gaining traction and I believe that this book helps tremendously to propel EI awareness.
I did enjoy reading this and recommend it to anyone who is remotely interested in Ethical investing.
March 18, 2023
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have read a number of finance books and they usually give a message of the best time to invest was yesterday, the next best time is now, this book is different. The message here is to not only consider investing but do your research and make sure your investments line up with your values and hopes for the future. The examples are largely climate change connected but the author notes that is for simplicity and if modern slavery prevention or gender balance is your key priority that is equally valid. Definitely gave me some things to think about.
I have read a number of finance books and they usually give a message of the best time to invest was yesterday, the next best time is now, this book is different. The message here is to not only consider investing but do your research and make sure your investments line up with your values and hopes for the future. The examples are largely climate change connected but the author notes that is for simplicity and if modern slavery prevention or gender balance is your key priority that is equally valid. Definitely gave me some things to think about.
August 26, 2023
Just so much fluff in this book. I think if you have never thought about your bank accounts or super then maybe this book would have more value for you. I felt like many sections were just ads for specific companies and it wasn’t a very well rounded overview of what is out there. Lots of sections alluding to ‘do your own research’ - isn’t the point of the book supposed to be that you did the research and are sharing it with us?! I want to love this book. I am super passionate about ethical investing. But for me this book totally missed the mark.
March 25, 2022
I really enjoyed this earnest look at ethical wealth in Australia. It gave me a lot of food for thought. I also recommend pairing this with The Barefoot Investor in case you're interested in seeing what less-ethical options might look like to a newcomer and how they compare.
April 16, 2022
Good intentions but shoddy. I'd be worried if a mate based their investment strategy off this book. It sends you off to negatively-screened ETFs in one chapter and then speculative art market investments and buying Teslas in another.
October 30, 2022
Decent introduction to ethical investing that helped me figure out what investment options I want to research further. The book also highlights how quickly things change though with featured companies such as Beyond Meat going through challenges after having scaled too quickly.
April 3, 2022
Nicole breaks down the intersectionality of ethical investing, highlighting that there’s no silver bullet when it comes to ethical ETFs and to weigh up the components of ethics that matter to you
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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July 15, 2022a good practicle guide
Cear thinking and logical
also honest
Cear thinking and logical
also honest
October 28, 2022
Contained some useful information but I docked a star because the author felt very tone-deaf in some parts.
November 1, 2022
An informative about how to align your finances with your (ethical/sustainable) values and intentions. A useful book regardless of what your current financial situation is at present.
December 9, 2022
Phenomenal read. Have taken action to combine this with a book called "Life Admin Hacks" and see significant change.
September 3, 2023
No new groundbreaking ideas but i enjoyed the perspective of someone whose not a financial advisor or finance worker who was willing to share their investigations including specific company names etc
January 13, 2024
A great starting point for beginners and a nice fresh perspective for someone who is already investing and wants to incorporate more of their values on their investing journey.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews