Socially Responsible Investing, often referred to as SRI, is an umbrella term for a philosophy of investing using both financial and social criteria. SRI investors seek to align their personal values and financial goals by choosing to invest in companies and organizations displaying values comparable to their own. "Green stocks" or "Green investing" are also terms related to socially responsible investing.

Read "Green Investing Takes Root", in which Rinehart & Associates Chief Investment Officer Mary Rinehart says:

"No one goes into this wanting to be partly green with their portfolio," says Mary Rinehart, chief investment officer of Rinehart & Associates, a Charlotte, NC-based fee-only planning firm. "They may have different definitions of what green is—but they don't want to compromise anywhere in their portfolio."

Rinehart & Associates is pleased to let the investing public know of our efforts to develop a method of screening investments for our clients. Socially responsible investing (SRI) allows our clients to invest their money in line with their values, therefore, profiting only from businesses that they think share their values. It is an overlooked and unfilled niche in the investment industry, yet plays a significant role in determining the stability and sustainability of investments.

Our working definition of "socially responsible" comes from the client, based on their values and particular areas of interest and concern. This service is a complement to our core business of financial planning and regular, on-going asset management.