Disclaimer: Information in this blog is general in nature only. What is right for me might not be right for you. Any mention, or opinion, of a company is not a recommendation to buy or sell. You should do your own research or seek personal financial advice before investing to ensure you make decisions that are right for you.

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Before I get too stuck into ‘How’ I invest, I’d like to introduce myself and talk a little bit about ‘Why’ I invest.

I'm Sophie – cofounder and chief product officer at SIX – and I want to share my journey toward financial empowerment, hoping it inspires you to take control of your money and create lasting impact.

Every day on this quest, I learn something new, and I firmly believe that if I can overcome these hurdles, so can you.

From an early age, I have been driven by a passion for equality and fairness, constantly seeking ways to better people’s health and well-being.

My mission is to find and work on solutions that can help alleviate loneliness, and disempowerment.

By thinking holistically about the world, considering our environment, economic and social factors, I have come to understand how these elements profoundly impact people's health and well-being. 

These interconnected aspects often create fear, judgement, and shame, which I am determined to combat with my work, and instead, foster confidence, joy, and improved well-being. 

I believe in dismantling systems that no longer serve us and creating a more equitable future. 

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Women and marginalised communities face unique challenges in navigating finance, from confusing jargon to institutional barriers that create a significant financial literacy gap. I refuse to accept that we are destined to be less financially savvy. 

This conviction has led me to invest in companies that align with my vision of change from an advocacy standpoint, and into other companies and ETFs with a goal of financial freedom and supporting companies that are dedicated to ethical practices. 

For example, I’ve bought shares in COL and WOW to support the Save the Skate campaign, and I hold positions in GEM and PMV to push for better parental leave policies. 

Each of these choices is a step toward not just personal growth, but broader social impact.

One of the reasons I’m so passionate about my work at SIX is our commitment to simplifying the investing process.

Unlike other platforms that overwhelm you with complicated interfaces and convoluted processes, SIX is designed with clarity and ease of use in mind.

Our platform strips away the unnecessary complexity, allowing you to focus on what really matters: making informed decisions that align with your values and goals.

What used to involve hours of research about the ethics of ASX-listed companies, can now be done in a matter of minutes as our team of ESG Analysts have done this for you.

Using SIX, I find it very easy to invest my money confidently and purposefully. The simplicity of our platform has helped me and many others cut through the noise, making investing accessible and enjoyable. 

For me, financial literacy is about reclaiming personal power. 

It shouldn’t be hard to get information and access to financial education and tools, nor should it be hard to understand whether your investments are pumping money into the fossil fuel industry, or funding companies involved in other harmful activities like gambling, tobacco, and weapons.

Therefore, I only invest in companies that treat their employees well and prioritise sustainability, not just for financial returns, but for a better world.

I have therefore chosen to invest in the following ETFs on the ASX that are known for their commitment to treating employees well and striving for sustainability:

BetaShares Global Sustainability Leaders ETF (ASX: ETHI): This ETF includes a portfolio of companies that are recognized as global leaders in sustainability efforts.
https://app.six-invest.com.au/security/ETHI 

BetaShares Australian Sustainability Leaders ETF (ASX: FAIR): Focuses on Australian companies that are leading in sustainable business practices.
https://app.six-invest.com.au/security/FAIR 

Vanguard Ethically Conscious International Shares ETF (ASX: VESG): Invests in international companies excluding those involved in activities deemed non-ethical, such as fossil fuels, alcohol, gambling, tobacco, military weapons, and nuclear power.
https://app.six-invest.com.au/security/VESG 

While I choose to only invest in companies that broadly prioritise their people and the planet, I am most passionate about gender equity and supporting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. I’ve used the research our ESG team has included on the SIX app to find companies that are doing meaningful work for women and other marginalised communities. At the top of my watch-list are: 

Stockland: Stockland has received a gold medal from the AWEI (Australian Workplace Equality Index), a definitive national benchmark on LGBTQ workplace inclusion. They’re also a WGEA (Workplace Gender Equality Agency) Employer of Choice for Gender Equality for the 16^th year in a row. Stockland offers 20 weeks of paid parental leave for all parents, with a strong focus on inclusive parental leave.

https://app.six-invest.com.au/security/SGP

Charter Hall Group: Charter Hall has a track record of supporting First Nations communities by supporting First Nations businesses via Supply Nation membership, and has an Indigenous Scholarship program with Western Sydney University. It also a strong focus on age diversity, using their mentoring and reverse-mentoring programs to learn from different perspectives, experience and expertise.

https://app.six-invest.com.au/security/CHC

(The ethical profile for Charter Hall is coming to the SIX app soon. You’re still able to trade in the meantime!)

BoQ: BoQ has received a bronze medal from AWEI in 2024 and offers industry-leading gender affirmation leave, with up to 6 weeks paid and 12 months unpaid. BoQ also prioritises internal networking groups that inspire and promote women’s careers within the company. 

https://app.six-invest.com.au/security/BOQ

SIX has enabled me to take charge of my investments, diversify my portfolio and truly feel like I’m making a difference.

I want every woman to feel this empowerment. Financial education is not just about building wealth. 

It’s about reclaiming our power, rewriting the rules, and creating change that extends far beyond our personal finances.