When we started CoPeace, one of our main goals was to democratize investing. With an affordable price point to entry, we provide an opportunity for anyone — the younger, brand new-to-investing bracket and those who are seasoned in the investing space — to build wealth.

Experienced investors are likely familiar with the concept of share value, valuation, and portfolio diversity. People new to the investing space may not have the same level of knowledge — but if that’s you, don’t let it deter you from getting started! It didn’t stop Joe Howard, a 2015 Colorado College graduate who’s now a high school math teacher and the head girls’ basketball coach.

Here’s what Joe had to say about his journey and why he landed on CoPeace for his first dive into impact investing.

Q: Tell us a bit about your investing background?

A: I immediately jumped into my first teaching job after graduating from my master’s program. In my second year on the job, I realized that I should start thinking more carefully about my financial future. I started putting money aside to invest in ETFs and stocks, but as a younger person new to the game, I felt like I was blindly navigating the world of investing. I could see growth, but I had very little idea what my money was actually supporting. CoPeace came around at a perfect time for me.

Q: What does impact investing mean to you?

A: I’m drawn to impact investing because it takes the mutually beneficial relationship between the investor and the company managing the money (CoPeace) further than in traditional investing. It strives to ensure that growth also leads to positive change in the world, whether it goes toward environmental impact, social impact, or tackling other important problems our world faces.

Q: What attracted you to CoPeace’s approach?
A: The head + heart + math formula. Some companies have innovative ideas but aren’t committed to combating world problems or don’t have a stable future growth plan. Some companies may have solid goals and values, but lack organization or leadership. I appreciate that CoPeace developed a simple formula for evaluating companies, then did the hard work to start finding companies that match that formula.

Q: Does your CoPeace investment align with your personal values?
A: Absolutely. We need to attack large problems from different angles, and CoPeace is doing that. For example, helping people who are struggling financially is an issue that is important to me. CoPeace takes on this issue in multiple ways by making investments accessible to people with lower incomes and looking for companies that reduce poverty levels.

Q: Recent research reveals that impact investments perform as well, financially, as traditional investments — if not, better. Was that a factor in your decision to invest in CoPeace?

A: It’s really a bonus for me. Maybe it’s crazy, but I’d be okay with less growth if I were sure my money was going toward causes I believe in. The actual impact of the investment feels more important than my personal gain.

Q: CoPeace is registered as both a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) and a Certified B Corporation, designations that reflect a high degree of social consciousness. (Only 400 companies worldwide hold both designations.) Does that give you more confidence in CoPeace?

A: Yes. It shows that CoPeace is unique in its approach and truly committed to being change agents.

We’re grateful for Joe’s confidence in our business model here at CoPeace. No matter where you are in your investing journey — even if you’re brand new to the investing world — you can trust us with your hard-earned dollars. We're committed to being good stewards of your money, and we’ll proudly walk alongside you in your investing journey.

If you’ve been thinking about investing in CoPeace, today’s the day. Click the “Invest” button and start Growing Your Money for Good!

P.S. – Did you see our interview with the Cause Artist podcast?