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Rosemary Hopkins, Retired, Volunteer and Political Activist

10 Years with Ethical Futures
Advice service: Assess

Case Studies

Background

Rosemary Hopkins, Retired, Volunteer and Political Activist

10 Years with Ethical Futures
Advice service: Assess
Other services used: Plan and Select

Rosemary grew up in South Africa during apartheid. This experience helped shape her outlook on life. She was a Fair-trade volunteer and remains active in many peace, social justice and human rights issues. Rosemary approached Ethical Futures for advice on ethical investment as she wasn’t happy with her previous financial advisor or investments.

Why did you think you needed a financial adviser? What were your expectations?
I’d had investments since the age of 21 and considered most of the South African ones to be exploitative and basically immoral investments. I had a financial advisor before, but I don’t think he really got the measure of what I wanted. I was looking for someone who would take an ethical approach to the companies I was investing in.

Why have you chosen EF?
It was a big decision to make such a big switch, but talking to Julian was like talking with somebody who spoke the same language; that was very important. He was really looking at what was secure at the same time ethical which I hadn’t come across anywhere before.

I had a financial advisor before, but I don’t think he really got the measure of what I wanted. He put money into mutual funds and thought that was adequate care. What I was looking for was someone who was paying attention to the companies I was investing in.

Ethics

Why is ethical investment important to you?
I grew up in South Africa – human rights, justice, fairness, didn’t even feature. Just knowing that I have re-invested the money that I inherited, that felt like “dirty money” is hugely important to me. It has eased my conscience.  I can’t change where it came from but I can change where it is now.



What were your ethical criteria in choosing EF?
I care about the people, I care about the environment, I care about the quality of terms of employment and other people should have as good opportunities as I have. I want to know that people who are producing goods are able to hold their heads up and not be exploited, that they are being treated with respect and kindness. 

Advice

How did EF help you tackle your financial problems/make financial decisions/simplify your life?
I think that trust was established very easily and very early because of a more holistic discussion about values. 

Julian assessed my old investments and explained how we could change them to meet my financial needs – but more importantly, how they could reflect my ethical concerns too. I didn’t have to explain myself or find out whether he thought the same way. I very quickly established that we understood each other and had similar values.

When it came to looking at how best to manage my estate when I die - I wouldn’t have known where to start. Julian made the plan and talked me through his suggestions. 

It was simple. It was a friendly, informal process. Whenever I phoned and Julian wasn’t around or I sent an e-mail, I’ve always had a quick response.

Outcome

What benefits have you seen from using EF service?
I am far more relaxed. It was a responsibility inheriting money. I felt that I mustn’t waste it and had a responsibility for stewarding the money for my children.

To have somebody who I can trust, who ensures that that stewarding is good quality is great. I know Julian is overseeing it and that’s what I can relax about. Julian is a financial advisor who I think of as a friend and I feel very comfortable.

Future

What further goals you wish to achieve in the future?
I have three grandchildren so it is really important for me is to take informed care of my money so they can benefit financially if that is possible.

Clients

We would like to thank Rosemary Hopkins for contributing her experience with us.

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