Balancing Values and Investments: A Guide for Gen X

People think differently about their wealth these days, so instead of aiming to grow their portfolio, the real focus is on how that growth reflects their priorities. If you’re a Gen X investor born between 1965 and 1980, you may be looking to build a portfolio that reflects your values, whether sustainability, diversity, human rights, or faith-based principles.

This blog will explore ways to balance values and investments as a Gen X investor and provide insights into the question: What Does It Mean to Invest with Purpose?

At Brown|Miller Wealth Management in Washington, DC, we understand that aligning your investments with your values doesn’t mean sacrificing strategy. It means designing a portfolio that reflects what matters most to you, financially and personally.

What Does It Mean to Invest with Purpose? 

Investing with purpose means putting your money to work in a way that reflects what matters to you, not just in terms of performance, but also in principle. It goes beyond selecting a few ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) or BRI (Biblically  Responsible Investment) funds.

Instead, it’s about being intentional with your portfolio to align your investments with your beliefs, priorities, and long-term goals.

For some Gen X investors, that might mean steering clear of companies involved in fossil fuels, tobacco, or weapons manufacturing. For others, it could include seeking out businesses that support clean energy, fair labor practices, or underserved communities. Values-based investing can also take shape through faith-aligned portfolios or by prioritizing local economic development.

As a Gen Xer, this approach can help you manage retirement planning, aging parents, and supporting children, and gain more clarity and confidence in your financial strategy. Remember, it’s not just about growing your assets; it’s about aligning your capital with a broader purpose, whether environmental responsibility, social or faith-based concerns, or passing on a legacy that resonates with your beliefs.

Why Is Gen X Leading the Shift Toward Purpose-Driven Investing? 

This generation came of age during major economic shifts such as Black Monday, the dot-com bust, 9/11, and the 2008 recession. Many Gen X’ers carry a healthy skepticism about traditional market norms.

But Gen Xers are also pragmatic. They want performance but also portfolios that reflect their values and beliefs.

Here’s what’s driving the shift:

• Control and accountability – Gen X investors increasingly want transparency about where their dollars go and what impact they’re making.
• Legacy-focused thinking – With retirement on the horizon and estate planning at the forefront of many Gen Xers’ minds, many Gen Xers want to pass on money and values.
• Technology and access – It’s easier than ever to research investments, compare fund ratings, and make more intentional choices.

How Can You Align Your Portfolio with Your Values? 

1. Identify What Matters to You

Start by identifying what causes or principles are important to you. Once you have a list, you can work with a financial advisor in Washington, DC, to translate those values into your financial plan and investment criteria.

For example:

• If sustainability is a priority, you might exclude fossil fuel companies and overweight clean energy.
• If social justice matters, seek funds that invest in minority-owned businesses or companies with strong DEI policies.

2. Understand the Tools Available

Determine how you want to invest in addressing your values. Each approach has nuances; matching the tool to your values and risk tolerance is essential.

Examples could include:  

• ESG Funds – These evaluate companies based on environmental, social, and governance factors.
• SRI (Socially Responsible Investing) – Focuses on excluding companies that conflict with specific values.
• Impact Investing – Targets investments to generate measurable positive social or environmental outcomes alongside returns.
• Faith-Based Funds – Filter companies based on religious or ethical guidelines.

3. Scrutinize Fund Holdings and Performance 

It’s important to note that not all ESG or SRI funds are created equal. Some use loose criteria or have inconsistent transparency. Ask your financial advisor to help you dig into fund holdings, proxy voting records, and ESG scoring methodologies.

Don’t assume that a fund with “green” or “social” in the name is aligned with your goals. Instead, look at what the fund holds, and whether that aligns with your priorities.

4. Can You Still Prioritize Performance While Investing with Purpose?

Yes, and you should. Aligning with your values doesn’t mean ignoring fundamentals like diversification, risk management, or long-term growth.

At Brown|Miller Wealth Management, we approach purpose-driven investing with the same rigor we apply to every portfolio. We evaluate cost structures, market exposure, tax implications, risk tolerance, and value alignment.

Performance isn’t sacrificed, it’s contextualized. You’re still building a strategy that fits your goals, time horizon, and financial plan. It’s just more intentional.

What Should You Ask Your Financial Advisor About Purposeful Investing?  

Here are some good questions if you’re ready to talk about purpose-driven investing with a Washington, DC financial advisor. A fiduciary advisor can help you weigh the trade-offs and design a strategy that is thoughtful and practical.

• How can we align my investment strategy with the causes I care about?
• Are there funds or individual companies we should avoid or emphasize?
• How do we measure the “impact” of my investments?
• Will this affect the cost or risk level of my portfolio?
• Can we make these changes in a tax-efficient way?

Get to Know Brown|Miller Wealth Management  

As a Gen Xer juggling retirement planning, aging parents, and supporting adult children, your financial priorities are layered and deeply personal. At Brown|Miller Wealth Management, we understand that building wealth isn’t just about numbers, it’s about meaning.  

Our purpose-driven investing strategies are designed to align your portfolio with the values you care about most, whether that’s sustainability, social impact, or faith-based principles.

We help you cut through the noise, focus on what matters, and build a strategy that supports both long-term goals and personal beliefs, so your money reflects not just what you’ve earned, but who you are.

If you’re ready to build a more purpose-driven portfolio, let’s talk.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only, and not to be a client specific suitability analysis or recommendation, an offer to participate in any investment, or a recommendation to buy, hold or sell securities. Do not use this report as the sole basis for investment decisions. Do not select an asset class or investment product based on performance alone. Consider all relevant information, including your existing portfolio, investment objectives, risk tolerance, liquidity needs, and investment time horizon. This report is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to predict or guarantee the future performance of any individual security, market sector, or the markets generally.

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