Inheriting money from a loved one often brings a mix of emotions: gratitude, responsibility, and reflection. It also presents a unique opportunity to honor their legacy in a way that aligns with your values. One way to do that is by adopting a values-based investing strategy—an approach that unites long-term financial growth with meaningful, real-world impact. Whether you refer to it as sustainable investing or socially responsible investing, the goal is the same: to invest with intention and clarity.
Thanks to tools like screening filters, third-party ratings, and ESG overlays, you can evaluate companies and funds based on how well they align with the issues you care about most, such as climate resilience, ethical governance, or expanding access to opportunity. We’ll explore how to use those tools later in this post, along with strategies for transitioning inherited assets into a purposeful, tax-smart portfolio.
Table of Contents
- 1 Assessing Your New Financial Position
- 2 Sustainable Investment Opportunities to Consider
- 2.1 Researching with Integrity and Avoiding Greenwashing
- 2.2 Integrating Inherited Assets Into a Sustainable Strategy
- 2.3 Tax Considerations and Professional Guidance
- 2.4 Monitoring, Rebalancing, and Staying Aligned
- 2.5 Common Challenges and How to Navigate Them
- 2.6 A Step-by-Step Guide for Moving Forward
- 3 We’re Here to Help with Sustainable Investments
Assessing Your New Financial Position
When you inherit assets—whether it’s cash, property, stocks, or retirement accounts—start by taking inventory and gathering supporting documents. This includes deeds, account statements, and beneficiary designations. One critical step is understanding the cost basis of inherited assets, especially whether they received a ‘step-up’ at the time of inheritance. This will influence potential capital gains taxes.
You may also inherit investments—such as individual stocks or funds—that don’t reflect your current values or priorities. Rather than selling them immediately (which could trigger taxable gains), you might consider a phased transition over time. A gradual reallocation strategy can help you reduce concentration risk, shift toward values-aligned holdings, and manage taxes efficiently.
Next, assess how this inheritance affects your overall finances. Update your balance sheet and review your emergency fund, debt obligations, and savings goals. For example, consolidating inherited IRAs into a single account may make them easier to manage. Consulting with a financial planner, tax advisor, or estate attorney can ensure you handle everything properly and stay organized through the process.
Sustainable Investment Opportunities to Consider
There are many ways to align your inheritance with your values. Whether you want broad market exposure or more personalized control, today’s investment landscape offers a range of vehicles to support sustainable, values-based goals. These approaches are often referred to as socially responsible investing, sustainable investing, or values-based investing—all of which focus on aligning your capital with causes that matter to you, without compromising on long-term financial returns. ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors can serve as a helpful overlay in evaluating these investments, offering insights into risk management and corporate behavior.
- Sustainable Bonds: These include green, social, and sustainability-linked bonds that fund projects such as affordable housing, clean transportation, or renewable energy infrastructure. You can invest through mutual funds or ETFs for broad exposure, or work with an advisor to build a customized bond ladder of individual securities. A bond ladder offers greater opportunity for control over maturity timing, cash flow, and credit quality—while funds offer ease of access and diversification.
- Values-Aligned Mutual Funds and ETFs: These funds bundle investments screened for alignment with personal and social values. They might avoid harmful industries or focus on positive themes like renewable energy, public health, or ethical corporate governance. ESG factors are often used within these funds to evaluate company behavior and performance, helping to identify both risks and opportunities.
- Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs): SMAs are portfolios of individual stocks customized to reflect your specific values and financial objectives. With advisor guidance, you can tailor exclusions and emphasize themes such as clean water, climate solutions, or companies that support inclusive hiring practices and expand access to opportunity.
- Renewable Energy Investments: These range from investing in solar and wind energy companies to supporting community energy projects or infrastructure funds. These opportunities help fund the transition to cleaner energy sources.
- Sustainable Real Estate: Investments in energy-efficient buildings, mixed-use developments, or affordable housing can offer financial return alongside positive social or environmental impact.
- Specialty Impact Investments: Consider areas like regenerative agriculture, reforestation, clean water access, or microfinance. These investments offer a direct connection between your capital and outcomes such as climate resilience, food security, or financial inclusion.
- Private Market Opportunities: For investors who meet certain income or net worth qualifications (e.g., accredited investors), private market investments can provide access to sustainable and socially impactful projects not available in the public markets. These may include private equity funds focused on climate innovation, social enterprises, sustainable infrastructure, or community development finance.
Researching with Integrity and Avoiding Greenwashing
Use independent sources like Sustainalytics and MSCI for ESG ratings, CDP for environmental disclosures, and Global Reporting Initiative for standardized reporting. Avoid greenwashing by relying on verified data and long-term commitment.
Integrating Inherited Assets Into a Sustainable Strategy
If you already have a portfolio, new assets may change your allocation or increase concentration in areas that don’t match your goals. Consider reallocating gradually, using donor-advised funds for philanthropy, or blending the assets with your existing portfolio.
Tax Considerations and Professional Guidance
Inherited assets come with tax implications that vary by asset type and jurisdiction. IRAs may have required distributions, stocks may qualify for step-up in basis, and real estate may require valuation and transfer planning.
Monitoring, Rebalancing, and Staying Aligned
Values-based investing isn’t a one-time decision. Review your holdings regularly, track impact metrics, rebalance as needed, and stay informed about legislative updates.
Expect some challenges, such as market volatility, policy changes, differing family views, or short-term cash needs. Work with your team to balance priorities and stay focused on long-term goals.
A Step-by-Step Guide for Moving Forward
- Clarify Your Vision
- Build a Team
- Create a Plan
- Review Regularly
- Adjust as Needed
We’re Here to Help with Sustainable Investments
At our firm, we specialize in helping individuals invest their inheritance in a way that honors both legacy and values. Whether you’re new to socially responsible investing or looking to integrate values-based practices more deeply, we offer guidance grounded in research and tailored to your goals. Let’s have a conversation about how your inheritance can become a force for long-term financial well-being and meaningful impact.
An entrepreneur and world traveler, Colorado Capital Management vice president and co-owner Lee Strongwater brings a global perspective to investments and life planning.
Editor’s Note: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional regarding their individual circumstances. Please refer to our firm’s website for full disclosures and important information: CCM Website Disclaimer