There is a growing trend in investing — sustainable, responsible and impact investing (SRI)— that blends personal values and principles with investment choices.

Aligning investments with values.

Sustainable investors consciously choose to invest in companies that contribute to advancements in environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) practices, e.g., clean tech, labor and human rights, anti-corruption policies.

Sustainable investing has grown 33 percent in the U.S. since 2014. That equates to $8.72 trillion. SRI now accounts for more than one out of every five dollars under professional management, according to the latest SRI trends report, published by The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment Foundation (US SIF).

Sustainable investing performs in line with traditional investing.

Research also reveals a positive correlation between SRI strategies and corporate financial performance. A 2017 study conducted by Nuveen TIAA Investments found that investing in SRI strategies did not lead to a decrease in performance or an increase in risk.

The MSCI KLD 400 Social Index, one of the first socially responsible investing indexes, has performed right in line with the S&P 500.

In fact, during the February 2018 market downturn, SRI funds actually outperformed the broad market, according to Morningstar investment research company.

Wondering what impact your investments are making?

Ask your financial advisor for a portfolio review to see if your current investments include SRI companies.

Learn more about SRI at ussif.org, or speak with a financial advisor.

We offer free portfolio reviews at no cost, no obligation. We’d be happy to take a look at your current portfolio and offer a second opinion to ensure you’re getting the most out of your investments.

Connect with an RCB Bank Trust Wealth Advisor in your area.

Invest in your values. RCBbank.com/GetFit

Investment products are Not insured by the FDIC or any government agency, Not a deposit, Not a bank guarantee, subject to risks and may lose value.

By Jocelyn Wood, RCB Bank Marketing

1. Bring only what you need.

When planning your next vacation, pack a lighter wallet, suggests RCB Bank Vice President, Security Officer Christy Wild.

“Bring only the amount of cash you will need and maybe one credit card.”

2. Leave your debit card at home.

“Especially if you are traveling internationally,” says Wild. “Debit cards tie directly to your bank account. If fraudulent charges are made, it is possible money may be taken out of your account that day.”

If debit card fraud goes unnoticed for a number of days, thieves may deplete your funds. Credit card fraud is not an immediate financial impact on you.

Under the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) and the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA), federal law limits your liability for unauthorized charges, but your protection depends on the type of card and when you report the loss.

After you report fraud, your bank has to investigate and process your claim, which takes time. Rules pertaining to refund timeframes vary between types of fraud. Ask your bank for details.

3. Keep an eye on your account.

“From the time your card leaves your wallet until the time it returns, it is technically at risk,” Wild says. “It is crucial to monitor your accounts.”

Proper monitoring will help you find discrepancies.

Early detection and fast action to alert your credit card company and bank is the key to protecting your money.

Many credit card companies and banks offer text banking. This is a great fraud detection tool as you can set up transaction alerts.

Set an alert to notify you each time a transaction occurs on your account. This will help you spot charges you did not initiate. Text banking message, data rates and fees may apply.

You can also download your bank’s mobile banking app. This is another good tool that allows you to scan your accounts anytime from practically anywhere.

“Do not log in to your account on a public Wi-Fi network,” Wild says. “Fraudsters hack public networks and can watch you from the shadows.”

4. Tell your bank when and where you are going.

Before you hit the road, notify your bank and tell them your travel plans.

“It’s added protection,” Wild says. “It alerts them to keep a closer eye on your account. Plus, it helps to make sure they don’t decline your card when you are making purchases in another state, which to a bank may look like suspicious activity.”

Invest in yourself. RCBbank.com/GetFit.

Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the author and meant for generic illustration purposes only. Member FDIC.

By Jocelyn Wood, RCB Bank

Every year, my granddad would sit his grandkids down at the kitchen table and pour out a big jar full of coins he’d saved. We could have these coins but only after we sorted them, divided them equally and then rolled them. As little children, it felt like hours to complete this task, but the reward was a bag full of money.

When grandparents talk, we ought to listen, especially when it comes to money. They’ve lived a lifetime earning, spending and saving money. They can teach us a thing or two about the value of a dollar and the importance of saving for a rainy day. Here’s five lessons learned from grandparents.