Money Makes Change:
Pensions
Our pensions are a tool we can use to shape a fairer, greener world. Do you know what your pension is doing?
Faith in your pension
Many of us contribute a small amount of money each month into a pension. This adds up to trillions of pounds in global pension funds.
As Christians we are called to seek justice (Isaiah 1:17) and pursue peace (Psalm 34:14). Is your pension invested in a more just and peaceful world?
Pay attention to your pension
How often do you think about your pension? Does it align with your values and the issues you care about?
Some big pension funds have committed to climate action but there’s still a long way to go before the money in our pensions is protecting the world we love.
Pensions for a better world
Your pension is more than just paperwork and a promise of future security. The companies you are invested in have a direct impact on people and planet.
Our pensions have the power to change society today and ensure a fairer, greener future for everyone.
What can I do?
Understand your pension
Our pensions are powerful. When they are invested responsibly they can change the world for the better.
Get started by reading this short article about ethical pensions.
If you haven’t purposely opted into an ethical fund your pension might be invested in sectors that cause harm like tobacco, fossil fuels and arms companies.
This great little video from ShareAction explains why we need to pay attention to our pensions.
Put aside some time to find out how your pension is invested. You may need to look in your fund brochure or a quarterly investment report. Some providers like Nest have an online platform you can use to explore the companies your pension is invested in.
Your pension provider will have policies around how they decide against investing in certain sectors. You may also be able to find out how your pension provider engages with companies to drive positive change.
Take action
Don’t be afraid to engage with your pension. Start by asking some questions. Contact your pension provider about the issues you are concerned about.
If your provider offers an ‘ethical’ fund, find out what criteria is used. What is excluded or included? If you don’t have an ethical fund option you can still ask your pension provider to take action.
Take action for a nuclear weapon free world with the Investing in Change campaign.
Campaign for greener pensions with Make My Money Matter.
Looking for a more ethical pension fund or provider? Here are some helpful resources:
Please note: JustMoney Movement does not provide financial advice. Please read our Disclaimer.
Share your story
Have you recently switched to an ethical fund or engaged with your pension provider? Get in touch and share your #MoneyMakesChange story.
I switched my pension to a more ethical fund. I want to know that the money I’m saving is not fuelling climate change.
Rosie (Worcester)
Green Your Money
Our Green Your Money campaign equips Christians to take action with their finances, including their pensions. Sign up and receive a regular email full of ideas and actions.
Reflect and pray
If you want the money you give away to change society for the better, don’t you want to know your pension is doing the same?
Download this article about ethical pensions – share it with your church and help others reflect on the ethics of their pension.
Eternal God,
may the decisions I make with my pension
be rooted in love and justice.
Help me engage with my pension provider
and call for money to be used
to shape a fairer, greener world.
Amen
Share with others
I’m considering the ethics of my pension. Are you? Check out the resources on the #MoneyMakesChange hub.