Money grows on and with trees. Ecological investment

Investing in shares stresses me out. Quite a bit. As a self-employed person, I'm not covered by pension insurance. I'm entitled to a pension of just over 200 euros from my previous employment. Together with a pension insurance policy that I have taken out, I won't end up with 500 euros. You don't have to be a pessimist to think that won't be enough later on. e a

Investing with a guilty conscience and uncertainty

So whenever I could spare some money, I Shares purchased. I have invested in Swabian cutlery manufacturers as well as in international computer manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies that produce malaria drugs or artificial cartilage.

For me, shares were always associated with a somewhat guilty conscience because I couldn't see through or approve of all company practices. Who can see through everything? And it was stressful. Shares rise and fall - I find that increasingly stressful.

Ecological investment - My money grows on trees

A good 10 years ago, I made a big decision. I am investing in reforestation in Panama, which is being created on former cattle pastures. I understand that. Forests grow when they are well cared for. In the end, the sale of the mature trees brings a good return - about 6% per year. That may not be as fast as turbo shares, but it's pretty safe. And definitely sustainable.

I have decided in favour of the young company Forest Finance (then Futuro Forestal) because they combine responsibility for nature with responsibility for people. They do not plant monocultures, but mixed forests with many hedges, which also provide a home for endangered animals. And they invest through educational programmes in their employees.

My forest as an investment is growing

I then actually travelled to Panama and had a look at my piece of forest - I admit, flying is not ecological. But it was wonderful to sign the purchase deed and the maintenance contract at the notary's office.

It was even nicer to lie on the warm forest floor of my piece of land and look into the crowns of the young trees. 

Since then, I have received a forest report every year. The thin stems have now grown into stately trees. It will take a few more years until my trees are fully grown. But at the same time, new trees are growing, which are also being cared for. I am looking forward to a rich harvest. And wait with patience.

Short-term investment - forest plus fruit 

But I wouldn't do it again. Not because I'm not convinced by the concept, but because it takes so long. I'm 50 and it's difficult for me to judge whether I can and want to wait another 25 years for a return.

The good thing is that Forest Finance has also grown in recent years and now has all the seals and certificates. And they have diversified their portfolio. They have a whole range of combination products in their programme: reforestation plus cocoa (pictured), dates, etc. So now I own a piece of ecological forest plus cocoa plantation in addition to my piece of forest - with only about 6 years to run. I will probably live to see that.

Forest plus agriculture - makes sense?

I recently discovered the beautiful Book about the forest maker Tony Rinaudo read. He has developed a technique for growing new trees from old tree stumps that sprout again on their own - millions !!! of new trees have now been grown in Africa as a result. of new trees have been grown in Africa, providing a better climate, food and also better harvests of crops - in the video here to see.

My tip: Get an ecological investment from Forest Finance

Very clear, very open and very direct advertising: if you want to do something for your future and your retirement provision, then get yourself ecological investments. It's small - BauMspar contract from 38 Euro - to really big (a few hectares of forest). Or agroforestry with Cocoa or Dates.

I have known Forest Finance since 2004 and have found the company and its employees to be trustworthy, reliable and very good communicators. That is very important to me.

Ecological investments and me

Transparency also means that I openly tell you that I am a tipster for Forest Finance. If friends or acquaintances find out about it through me and decide to invest, I receive a small commission. I would also recommend it without commission because I am convinced of the 100% concept and use it myself. But of course I'm also happy to receive some extra pocket money or a contribution to my pension scheme.

If a small or large investment is of interest to you, please let me know. I will be happy to put you in touch with the specialised advisors. And I hope you enjoy your trees.

Pictures: Forest Finance. Mine from back then are on slides!!!