What if every dollar you spent didn’t just buy you something, but also built the kind of world you want to live in? Imagine your grocery budget supporting local farmers, your retirement fund investing in clean energy, and your savings account helping your neighbor start a small business. This isn’t a far-off fantasy; it’s the heart of a movement known as BetterThisWorld Money.
It’s a philosophy that argues your financial health and your personal values don’t have to be at odds. In fact, when they work together, that’s when the real magic happens. Let’s dive into what this approach looks like in practice and how you can start applying it today.
What Exactly Is BetterThisWorld Money?
At its core, BetterThisWorld Money is a values-first, educational framework for managing your finances. Think of it as a blend of classic, practical money smarts with a conscious awareness of how your financial choices ripple out into your community and the world.
It’s not about making less money; it’s about making your money do more—for you and for others. It’s moving from a mindset of pure consumption to one of conscious stewardship.
The Three Pillars of the BetterThisWorld Money Approach
This philosophy stands on three sturdy legs. If one is missing, the whole structure feels wobbly.
1. Rock-Solid Personal Finance (The Foundation)
You can’t effectively help others if your own finances are in chaos. This pillar is all about the non-negotiable basics:
- Budgeting with Purpose: Instead of a restrictive chore, your budget becomes a plan for your values. You assign dollars not just to “groceries,” but to “local, organic groceries.”
- Aggressive Debt Reduction: High-interest debt, like credit card balances, locks away your financial power. Freeing up that money gives you more freedom to make values-aligned choices.
- Building an Emergency Fund: A robust safety net (3-6 months of expenses) is the ultimate act of self-care and responsibility. It prevents you from being forced into financially desperate situations.
2. Ethical & Conscious Spending (The Daily Practice)
This is where your values meet the marketplace, every single day.
- Vote with Your Wallet: Choose to support local bookstores over mega-corporations, B-Corps that prioritize social good, and companies with fair labor practices. Your purchase is an endorsement.
- Quality over Quantity: The BetterThisWorld Money mindset favors buying fewer, better-made items that last for years, reducing waste and often supporting better craftsmanship.
- Mindful Consumption: Simply asking, “Do I really need this?” before a purchase aligns your spending with your actual goals and reduces clutter.
Real-World Example: Outdoor clothing company Patagonia actively encourages customers to buy less and repair their gear, directly challenging the “fast fashion” model and aligning its business with environmental values.
3. Community-Oriented Investing & Saving (The Long Game)
This is where your larger assets go to work.
- Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs): Move your savings to a local credit union or a CDFI. These institutions use deposits to provide loans for local small businesses, affordable housing, and community projects in underserved areas. Your money sits safely and helps your community thrive.
- ESG and Impact Investing: For your retirement (IRA, 401k) and brokerage accounts, you can choose ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) funds. These screen out companies with poor records and invest in those leading in sustainability and social responsibility.
Busting the Biggest Myth About Ethical Finance
Myth: “Choosing ethical options is always more expensive, so it’s only for the wealthy.”
Reality: While some ethically sourced products can carry a premium, the BetterThisWorld Money approach often saves you money in the long run. How?
- Buying quality items means you replace them less often.
- Reducing impulse buys and mindless consumption frees up significant cash.
- Supporting local businesses can sometimes be cheaper than big-box stores, and it keeps money circulating in your local economy.
It’s about being strategic, not perfect. Start where you can.
Your 3-Step Starter Plan for BetterThisWorld Money
Feeling inspired? Don’t try to overhaul your entire financial life in a day. Start here:
- The One-Hour Financial Audit: Block one hour this weekend. Look at your last three bank and credit card statements. Categorize your spending. Ask yourself: “Where does my money currently go, and does this align with my values?” Awareness is the first step.
- Make One Values-Aligned Switch: Based on your audit, pick one recurring expense to change. It could be switching your grocery store to a local co-op, moving your bank account to a credit union, or canceling one unused subscription and donating the savings.
- Ask One New Question: Before your next non-essential purchase, pause and ask: “Who made this, and under what conditions?” or “What is the true environmental cost of this product?” This simple habit builds your “values muscle.”
Wrapping Up: Your Money, Your World
BetterThisWorld Money isn’t a set of rigid rules. It’s an invitation to be more intentional, to see your finances not as a separate, stressful part of your life, but as a powerful tool for crafting the life—and the world—you believe in.
It’s the understanding that financial freedom isn’t just about the number in your bank account; it’s about the freedom to make choices that are good for your soul and your community.
What’s one small, values-based financial change you can make this week?
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FAQs
Is BetterThisWorld Money just for people who are already financially stable?
Not at all! It’s for everyone. The first pillar—mastering your personal finances—is the essential starting point, regardless of your income. The principles of budgeting and saving are universal.
How do I find a local credit union or CDFI to bank with?
A simple online search for “credit union near me” or “CDFI near me” is a great start. You can also use the National Credit Union Administration’s (NCUA) online locator tool.
Are ESG investments as profitable as traditional ones?
A growing body of evidence suggests that companies with strong ESG practices can be less risky and may perform as well as, or even better than, their traditional counterparts over the long term, as they are better positioned for a sustainable future.
I’m on a tight budget. How can I afford to “vote with my wallet”?
Focus on what you can do. Buying one item from a local farmer’s market, choosing a fair-trade coffee brand when it’s on sale, or simply reducing waste are all powerful acts. Every conscious choice counts.
Does this mean I can never buy anything from a big company again?
No, this approach is about progress, not perfection. It’s about shifting the balance of your spending where possible. Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.
Where can I learn more about impact investing?
Websites like As You Sow (offering free portfolio screeners) and The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment (US SIF) are excellent educational resources.
Can this approach really make a difference?
Absolutely. When millions of individuals make small, conscious shifts in their financial behavior, it creates a massive collective force that corporations and financial institutions cannot ignore.
