Good Money Week 2025

By Helen Tandy

Each year, Good Money Week shines a spotlight on a simple but powerful truth, the way we save, spend, and invest our money has a direct impact on the world around us. Castlefield adviser, Helen Tandy shares her experiences of Good Money Week and explains the power of everyday financial choices in her recent blog post.  

Where it all began

Good Money Week was launched in the UK back in 2005 (originally known as National Ethical Investment Week) by UKSIF (Uk Social Investment Forum) of which Castlefield is a member. 

My first memory of our involvement was from 2013 when under National Ethical Investment Week, we decided on the huge feat of planning two events...this was a chance to speak to clients and contacts about our new stronger ownership. 

My first memory of our involvement was from 2013 when under National Ethical Investment Week, we decided on the huge feat of planning two events. One in Manchester and one in London. Castlefield and Gaeia merged in 2012 and so this was a chance to speak to clients and contacts about our new stronger ownership. 

The aim of Good Money Week is now and always was to raise awareness about values-based and ethical finance. At the time I started as an Ethical Financial Adviser it was very niche. Although conversations about climate change, social justice, and corporate responsibility were starting to enter the mainstream, very few people connected those issues to their bank accounts or pensions.

By bringing together individuals, businesses, charities, and campaigners, Good Money Week encouraged people to ask one simple question: What is my money doing while I’m not using it?

Why it matters now more than ever

Fast forward to today, and the stakes are higher. We face a climate emergency, widening social inequalities, and increasing pressure on resources. Yet money flows through banks, pension funds, and investment portfolios which all continue to fuel industries and practices that contribute to these challenges.

The good news?

Those same flows of money can help solve them.

Your everyday financial choices can fund renewable energy instead of fossil fuels, support affordable housing instead of speculative property bubbles, and back companies that treat their workers and the planet responsibly.

The power of your accounts, savings, pensions, and investments

Good Money Week is about turning awareness into action. Together, we can make sure that the money in our accounts is helping build the future we want to see. Below are some ways you can use your everyday financial decisions. 

  • Current accounts – The bank you choose doesn’t just hold your money; it uses it. Ethical banks and building societies lend to projects that benefit communities and avoid financing harmful industries.
  • Savings – High-interest rates are great, but it’s worth checking what your savings are supporting. Ethical savings providers can help you grow your money without compromising your values.
  • Pensions – For many people this is often the largest pot of money you’ll ever have, yet many people never check where it’s invested. By choosing a pension fund with strong ethical or environmental, social, transparency and governance (ESTG) criteria, you can make a huge difference without sacrificing returns.
  • Investments – Whether directly held or via funds, your investments are a vote for the future you want. Investing in sustainable businesses can help drive innovation, create jobs, and tackle the big challenges of our time.

There are a number of practical articles on our blog pages covering all manner of financial topics including your pension and how to finances align with your values. Our Document Library also has a number of useful brochures and guides to explain you with your finances and understand the world of ethical investment. 
 

Written by Helen Tandy

This article is intended for information purposes only and it does not constitute a personal recommendation or inducement to invest. It is based on information obtained from sources which we believe to be accurate but the accuracy of which we cannot warrant and may be subject to change at short notice, therefore we cannot be held responsible for the implications of relying on this information. The contents of this article are not intended to be construed as legal, accounting, tax or investment advice. With any investment your capital is at risk. You should seek independent financial advice if you are unsure whether an investment product is suitable for your personal financial circumstances and appetite for risk. Unless otherwise stated this information is accurate as at 06/10/2025.