 TITLE: What Is ESG Investing? CONTENT: How to Mix ESG Investments Into Your Portfolio\n----------------------------------------------\nIf you already have a relationship with a financial advisor, opening up a conversation about ESG investing is a great entry point as they can likely guide you in the right direction. Alternatively, you can take a do-it-yourself approach and open an investment account with a brokerage if you don't already have an investment portfolio. Brokerages such as Merrill, Charles Schwab, Fidelity and others provide information and options for investments in this area. Here are a few types of investments to consider:\n*   **ESG mutual funds**: A mutual fund is a basket of investments that is professionally managed. It can include different types of securities, such as stocks and bonds. Instead of choosing an individual stock, the investor owns small shares in a variety of assets, which helps diversify their portfolio. An ESG mutual fund contains securities that meet or exceed generally accepted ESG criteria. Some brokerage firms offer ESG mutual funds linked to a market index like the S&P 500 or Dow Jones Industrial Average.\n*   **ESG exchange-traded funds (ETFs)**: Like mutual funds, ETFs are made up of groups of securities and help provide diversification. They resemble stocks in that they're traded throughout the day. Their investments are usually passively managed and tied to a market index. Similar to ESG mutual funds, ESG ETFs are made up of socially responsible companies.\n*   **Individual stocks**: There may be a specific company you're excited about investing in because its values align with yours. If it's a publicly traded company, you can purchase shares of stock. The main objective is to buy stocks when the price is low and then sell them when the price goes up. Investing in individual stocks involves significant risk, so be sure to do your research before plunking down a lot of cash for a single stock.\nNo matter which route you take, investment research companies like Morningstar lean on ESG data and sustainability reporting to provide company ESG ratings you can evaluate for yourself. This lets you see just how well the companies you're interested in are performing with regard to ESG values as well as financial returns. Of course, just like traditional investing, ESG investing isn't without risk. Investment returns are never guaranteed, and market volatility comes with the territory. Diversifying your investment portfolio can provide some balance and help reduce risk. END