Walking With Purpose

Read Time / 2 Minutes

Theme / Values Based Investing

Wikipedia calls it a “form of non-competitive fitness walking that developed in Europe in the mid-late 1960s.”  We were living in southern Germany and on summer weekends we would sign up for a Volksmarch (“people walk”) hosted by a local village or town.  The routes were normally 10K (6.2 miles) in length and wound through forests and farms.  It was an opportunity for feeling the country breeze, seeing new countryside, and enjoying the camaraderie that comes with walking with others.  Of course, the Volksmarches concluded with an oompah band, bratwurst, and refreshing drinks staged under a big tent. 

I have fond memories of the Volksmarches, because they provided a good combination of fitness and togetherness.  They also reminded me of a phrase in Scripture: “The race is not to the swift” (Ecclesiastes 9:11).  We had a common goal – to finish – but it wasn’t a race.  There were no blue ribbons or trophies, but whenever we finished, we were handed a mug or medallion for our participation.  It was common to collect these mementos and proudly display them at home as walking accomplishments. 

I get a similar feeling as I help people invest according to their values.  There is a sense of financial fitness in putting money to work towards a goal.  There is also a sense of moral togetherness.  As the number of people grow who are ethically concerned about their investments, the louder our collective voice is in the marketplace.  This is not a race for the swift.  Rather, it is a walk together to reach our financial goals and to influence the world for good through our investments.   There may not be an oompah band waiting for us at the finish, but there will be an immense satisfaction of a job well done.

Doug Hanson, MBA

Wealth Advisor

208.697.3699

doug@christianwm.com