Most popular finance reviews from the last 30 days
Standard Life UK Ethical Fund Review
SmartPlanet judgement: If you want to polish your halo while making decent returns, this fund could form a valuable part of your investment portfolio. Its manager recently made the bold decision to exclude airlines -- a move which will appeal to eco-friendly investors. But for the deep dark greens, its screening process may not be up to scratch.
Norwich Union 'Green' ISA Review
SmartPlanet judgement: This wide range of green and ethical investments is impressive, with the portfolio concentrating in companies reacting responsibly to climate change. Investors can't access the funds, however, without an Independent Financial Advisor (IFA), which we think may deter some. Performance-wise, it depends which funds you pick, really.
American Express Red Credit Card Review
SmartPlanet judgement: Although we don't think credit cards are the best way to donate your money to a good cause, this is a good one and comparatively donates more than other charitable cards do. Unfortunately the APR is pretty standard, but at least the site is easy to use.
Ecology Building Society Earthwise ISA Review
SmartPlanet judgement: Attractive rates are offered to anyone wanting to store or borrow money for an ecological project, which may be seen as high risk by more mainstream lenders. A lack of online access and a one per cent rate fall if you make more than one withdrawal in a year are less favourable features though.
Naturesave Home Insurance Review
SmartPlanet judgement: One of the few green home insurance companies offering an alternative to the mainstream. You won't find the cheapest home insurance around here, but it might be worth paying extra for small company benefits -- like personal service and no premium rate lines -- and Naturesave's environmental policy and donations.
Co-op's Think Credit Card Review
SmartPlanet judgement: It's great that this credit card helps people go green -- as far as credit cards can do that -- by partnering up with eco stores for discounts and lower interest rates. But after the initial rates wear off (six months) you're back to a standard, not-so-competitive rate.
Barclaycard Breathe Credit Card Review
SmartPlanet judgement: Barclaycard is hardly known for its green agenda, so it's easy to be sceptical. Use the card wisely by paying off your debt in full each month, and your contribution to the fight against global warming will be minimal. But is the bank just cashing in on consumers' desire to go green?
Triodos Saver Review
SmartPlanet judgement: Poor rates and a lack of flexibility makes the Triodos Saver account difficult to find appealing. The rates go up the more money you stash away, but you may still find better rates elsewhere. But if you are determined to go green, this may be the account for you as Triodos only supports projects for the social and environmental good.
Jupiter Ecology Fund Review
SmartPlanet judgement: Jupiter's Ecology fund is a nice, dark forest green -- meaning of course that it proactively invests in companies doing good things environmentally and ethically speaking, and it proactively avoids investing in companies that have a hand in murky water. The specific focus means it's suffered some losses, but it's been recovering and has a few extra years of experience under its belt to give it something to learn from.
Ibuyeco Car Insurance Review
SmartPlanet judgement: This is a very good insurance policy, and since it offsets gas-guzzlers' emissions, it's doing some good -- what it's doing is a green plus and the policy is sound, with competitive premiums. We do wonder about the parent company's green track record, however.
