Most investors glance at their account balance, up or down, and move on. But that surface-level check can mask deeper issues: hidden fees, overlapping holdings, or risks that no longer align with your life stage or values. At Provident Oak Financial, LLC, we believe your investments should not only support your financial goals but also reflect your faith.
That’s where a Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI)
portfolio review comes in. This five-step audit helps you evaluate your current
holdings through the lens of stewardship, purpose, and performance.
1.📋 Assign a Purpose to
Every Investment
Think of your portfolio as a team. Every investment—whether
it’s a stock, bond, mutual fund, or ETF—should have a clearly defined role:
growth, income, stability, or diversification. If you can’t articulate what a
holding is doing for you, it may be time to reconsider. For BRI investors, this
also means ensuring each holding aligns with biblical values and avoids
companies that profit from activities inconsistent with your faith.
2.🔍 Identify Hidden Overlap
Many portfolios appear diversified but are actually
concentrated in the same sector, especially big tech. This overlap can increase
risk and reduce the effectiveness of diversification. Review the top holdings
across your funds. Are you unknowingly investing in the same companies multiple
times? A Biblically Responsible portfolio goes a step further by screening out
companies that conflict with Christian principles, reducing exposure to morally
misaligned sectors.
3.💸 Evaluate Fees and
Trading Costs
Every investment carries costs, expense ratios, account
fees, and trading commissions. While they may seem small, they compound over
time and quietly erode your returns. Stewardship means being mindful of these
costs and ensuring you’re receiving value in return. At Provident Oak
Financial, we help clients uncover hidden fees and optimize for both
performance and purpose.
4. ⚖️ Align Risk with Real-Life
Goals
Are you taking on more risk than necessary—or not enough?
Your portfolio should reflect your current season of life. A young professional
saving for retirement has a different risk tolerance than someone nearing
retirement. More importantly, a Biblically Responsible strategy ensures that
your risk exposure doesn’t come at the cost of your convictions.
5. 🗂️ Build a One-Page
Keep-or-Cut Plan
Clarity brings confidence. After reviewing your holdings,
summarize everything on a single page: each investment, its role, associated
fees, and whether it aligns with your goals and values. This simple exercise
transforms a scattered collection of accounts into a unified, purpose-driven
portfolio.
Why a Biblically Responsible Portfolio Review Matters
At Provident Oak Financial, LLC, we specialize in helping
individuals and families align their investments with their faith. A Biblically
Responsible Investing strategy filters out companies involved in abortion,
pornography, gambling, tobacco, and other activities that conflict with
Christian values, while still pursuing strong financial performance.
Whether you’re just starting out or nearing retirement, a
portfolio review is a powerful way to ensure your money is working for you and
honoring your beliefs.
Ready to take the next step? Let’s explore how your
investments can reflect your values and support your legacy.
Disclosures: This content is for informational purposes only
and does not constitute personalized investment advice. Investing involves
risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not a
guarantee of future results. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor
before making investment decisions.
Investment advice offered through OneAscent Financial
Services, LLC, d/b/a Provident Oak Financial, a Registered Investment Adviser
with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration as an
investment adviser does not imply any certain degree of skill or training.
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