BlueSpruce

Just want to add a couple more options to the good comments already made. Remember that you can also save money by putting at least some of it into a traditional savings account. Those are available at a variety of financial institutions, so you might be comfortable with a traditional or internet bank, or you might look for a credit union. Each will have different interest rates. Another option is government bonds, which are available at both the federal and local (municipal) level.

I’m no expert so I’m not providing financial advice about whether to use any of these options, just noting they are also options that you might want to look into. I also don’t think it’s a bad idea to buy shares of ETFs. I agree with you and others that we have to be able to afford to live in the world that exists today, while also working to change it. All of these options have different levels of risk and return, so I think many people advocate for using multiple options just from a sound financial perspective.

From a solarpunk lens, these options might or might not be better suited to your ethical/economic/social point of view. Banks might turn around and invest your deposits in the same equities that you might wish to avoid. Some also use the deposits to provide home, personal, and small business loans to local residents and groups. You might not want to lend your money to some governments today, but perhaps other local ones might feel more worth it. (Again, I’m no expert in municipal bonds and whether they’re a good idea to invest in, just noting they exist.)

Using more than one means of savings could also make you feel less dependent on one over time, more comfortable shifting your resources if you need to, and less likely to become overly motivated in a social direction you don’t believe in due to your financial interests. So just added food for thought.