A lot of women+ want to use their money not just as a means of personal security and freedom but also as a powerful tool for change.
The good news? You don’t need to be wealthy to start making an impact through financial activism.
Small, consistent actions – like supporting local businesses, choosing ethical brands, or setting aside even a modest amount for charitable giving – can create significant change.
Financial activism isn’t about the size of your bank account; it’s about aligning your resources, however big or small, with the kind of world you want to help build.
So, here are 5 ways you can make a difference with your money.
1) Support People Directly
Sometimes the best way to make an impact is by helping individuals in small but meaningful ways.
For example, f you're eating out, grabbing a coffee, or using a rideshare service, consider tipping extra. Even a few extra dollars can make a difference for someone living off tips.
Or, if someone you know is struggling, you could cover a bill, pay for a needed expense, or offer a no-strings-attached gift. Even small gestures—like treating a friend to lunch—can mean a lot.
Just be careful when you’re giving or lending money to someone you know, as it can affect your relationship.
And finally, you can perform random acts of kindness, such as...
- Pay for the next person’s coffee or meal in line.
- Leave a gas card at a pump with a note.
- Give gift cards to people experiencing homelessness.
- Drop off surprise care packages to people in need (single parents, teachers, nurses, etc.).
2) Invest in Your Community
Strengthening your local economy and social fabric can have long-term benefits.
When you support local businesses, artisans, and entrepreneurs, you help circulate money within the community, creating jobs and fostering economic resilience. A thriving local economy also attracts new investments and opportunities, making the area more attractive for residents and visitors alike.
Additionally, a vibrant local economy encourages sustainability. Locally produced goods often have a smaller carbon footprint, and small businesses are more likely to invest in ethical sourcing and community-focused initiatives. By prioritizing local growth and collaboration, communities can become more self-sufficient, adaptable, and prepared for the future.
Instead of defaulting to shopping at big box store or corporate entities, try to shop local when possible. You can buy produce from your local farmer's market or jewelry and artwork from an art fair. Whenever you can, try to prioritize local markets, bakeries, bookshops, and makers.
The bottom line: when you buy from small businesses, you help keep money circulating in your community and have a direct impact on a small business owner's livelihood.
3) Donate to Causes You Care About
Giving money directly to organizations can multiply your impact by allowing them to allocate resources where they are needed most. Many nonprofits, charities, and community groups rely heavily on charitable donations.
They have the expertise and infrastructure to address issues efficiently, whether it’s providing food for the hungry, funding medical research, or supporting disaster relief efforts. Direct financial contributions enable these organizations to scale their operations, reach more people, and respond swiftly to urgent needs.
Can't afford to give much? Don't worry! Many organizations have matching donation programs, where corporate sponsors or benefactors double or even triple individual contributions. This means that your donation can go even further, amplifying its effect.
Direct giving also reduces administrative costs associated with fundraising events or intermediary services, ensuring that a larger percentage of your money goes toward the actual cause.
Furthermore, when organizations have steady funding, they can focus on long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes. This stability allows them to plan strategically, invest in sustainable initiatives, and create lasting change. By donating directly, you help maximize efficiency, empower organizations to carry out their missions effectively, and ultimately make a greater impact on the causes you care about.
Choose charities that support causes that resonate with you, such as:
- Environmental groups (reforestation, ocean cleanup, conservation efforts)
- Social justice initiatives (racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, criminal justice reform)
- Animal welfare organizations (wildlife rescue, pet adoption centers)
- Humanitarian aid (disaster relief, refugee assistance, medical funds)
4) Build a Values-Aligned Investment Portfolio
Where you spend and invest your money can shape the world. For instance, you can choose to grow your money through ethical investing.
What is Ethical Investing?
Ethical investing (aka sustainable investing or socially responsible investing) is a strategy that seeks to generate financial returns while also promoting positive environmental, social, and governance (ESG) outcomes.
Unlike traditional investing, which focuses solely on profitability, sustainable investing considers the broader impact of financial decisions on people and the planet. This approach enables investors to align their portfolios with their values, supporting companies that prioritize sustainability, ethical business practices, and social responsibility.
How Does Ethical Investing Work?
Investors may choose companies that actively reduce carbon emissions, develop renewable energy solutions, or practice resource conservation.
Beyond environmental considerations, sustainable investing also emphasizes social impact and corporate governance.
This means supporting companies that promote fair labor practices, diversity and inclusion, and ethical supply chains. Investors may also avoid businesses involved in controversial industries such as fossil fuels, tobacco, or weapons manufacturing.
By directing capital toward businesses that are prioritize doing good, sustainable investing can drive innovation, ethical practices, and encourage corporate accountability. Additionally, companies that embrace sustainability often demonstrate long-term resilience, as they are better prepared for regulatory changes and shifting consumer preferences.
Is Ethical Investing Profitable?
Sustainable investing is not just about doing good—it also makes financial sense.
Research suggests that companies with strong ESG practices tend to perform well over time, as they are less exposed to risks such as regulatory fines, public backlash, or resource shortages. As consumer demand for ethical products and services grows, sustainable businesses are positioned for long-term success. By integrating sustainability into their investment strategies, individuals and institutions can contribute to a more responsible global economy while still achieving competitive returns.
How I've built an ethical investment portfolio!
5) Take Care of Yourself
You know the old mantra of “don’t help someone with their oxygen mask until you’ve put yours on first”? Well, that applies when it comes to financial activism too. You can be more effective in taking care of your loved ones and community AFTER you’ve created financial wellness for yourself.
Don't forget to prioritize your own financial goals. It's ok to be selfish sometimes and make decisions that set you up for long-term stability and success. You can't pour from an empty cup, and securing your financial future means you'll be in a better position to help others when you choose to.
In addition, feel free to spend some money on things that make you feel good! Show yourself love by treating yourself (in a financially responsible way, of course).
And the best way to take care of yourself is by learning to manage your money well! If you need some tips, check out our free masterclass! In it, we give you the system thousands of women+ have used to implement positive, pain-free money habits. Hope to see you there!
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