Our Commitment to Inclusion

As individuals and as an organization, we look at how we are impacted by, benefit from, and contribute to systems of oppression. It is our goal to use our power and privilege in responsible ways. 

A powerful image of a line of femme-looking individuals, standing in a row looking forward but we see them at an angle. The image is blurred as it gets we get farther from the front focal person. Everyone is dressed in the same white frock.

We offer a space where clients may do the same, both through Socially Responsible Investments (SRI) and by opting for a fee structure geared toward justice and equity.

We know that it's unrealistic for a client to "budget" their way out of systemic oppression. Our aim is to offer tools to empower folks on an individual and community level to gain stress-free financial health.

2 people are at a laptop. They are both White. One person is in a wheelchair. They have short, wavy red hair and blue glasses and is wearing a pink Blazer. The other person has long wavy brown hair.

We recognize individuals' intersectionality and aim to welcome folks wholly. We put clients at ease in a more relaxed environment. We make financial advice accessible so that people—ALL people who wish to work with us—can feel safe, welcome, informed and financially secure now and into their future. We put details and jargon into "plain language", in terms that help our clients understand what to do with their money, minimize the stress that is often associated with finance, and feel good about the organization with whom they're placing their business.

Committed to Reconciliation

Our work takes place on the unceded and traditional territories of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh speaking Peoples: xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples. 

Reconciliation means more than territorial acknowledgements. As settlers on these stolen lands, we are committed to engaging, listening to, and centering Indigenous voices. We commit to generously compensating Indigenous consultants, leaders, and makers, and not to ask for free labour.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

JEDI: We value each piece of this important acronym, to create an inclusive space where everyone can thrive.

Diversity in the workplace, without a lens of justice and equity, can mean that marginalized folks are part of a team, perhaps on a tokenized basis, or without a voice in decision-making. Instead of tokenized diversity, we aim for an equitably inclusive space where all team members are invited to the table for less hierarchical decision-making.

If you are:

  • Indigenous

  • Black

  • a Person of Colour

  • LGBTQ2SIA+ (Lesbian; Gay; Bisexual; Trans; Queer; Two-Spirit; Intersex; Asexual)

  • Non-binary

  • Managing gender or name changes

  • Neurodivergent

  • Low income

  • Living with disabilities (visible or invisible)

  • Speaking English as a second, third, or additional language

  • Dealing with marginalization of any kind


…you are wholly welcome here. We aim to make our services—and opportunities for financial security—available with low or no barriers. You deserve financial peace of mind, no matter what your background or lived experiences are.

Anti-Racism

BLACK LIVES MATTER  |  FREE PALESTINE

Racism is a systemic, societal, and global issue. As individuals and as an organization, we look at how we are impacted by, benefit from, and contribute to systems of oppression, including white supremacy.

Where some organizations make a token commitment to “diversity”, we assert that diversity alone is not enough, and tokenization is not acceptable—equity and inclusion should be the standard, where diversity is not simply tolerated, but rather welcomed and celebrated.

  • We are committed to seeking staff and contractors who are BIPOC, and paying a thriving wage. 

  • We will invest in our community and support efforts to eradicate racism. This includes actively working with Bakau Consulting on our JEDI culture, and on anti-oppressive policy development.

  • We believe in “nothing for us without us”. We welcome, and we will listen to, and act on, your feedback

A note from Kelsey Smart: As an able-bodied cisgender white person, and the owner of this business, I recognize that I am in this position with a great deal of privilege. With this, I have a particularly deep responsibility to my community, to this team, to all the people whose lives we impact. I actively strive to further my learning and to be anti-oppressive, anti-colonial, and anti-racist. I will undoubtedly make mistakes along the way, but I commit to always strive for continued growth in these areas.

LGBTQ2SIA+

The acronym: Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans* Queer Two-Spirit Intersex Asexual/Agender, and more!

We support individuals, movements, and organizations which uplift the LGBTQ2SIA+ community and safety for all.

  • Your gender and sexuality matter and are valid.

  • Your pronouns matter and we will respect them.

  • We commit to supporting individuals, movements, and organizations that support and promote the LGBTQ2SIA+ community and safety for all.

  • We are a queer-owned organization; not only are you safe here, but you’re warmly welcome.

* A note for our trans and non-binary clients: The financial industry largely operates on the incorrect premise that gender is binary. While we can’t “fix” the entire industry (yet, but give us time!), we will center your identity and lived experience while working within the confines of the system. We will do everything we can to support you if you have changed or will change your name or gender, or if you have a fluid identity! Some forms may require your legal name or gender (as it appears on your identification), but we will do everything possible to make this easier for you and will respect your name, pronouns, and gender in all our interactions with you.

Poverty Reduction

Poverty is a barrier to gaining financial security.

Too many organizations say nice things about helping to reduce poverty, while maintaining systemic barriers which keep people oppressed by patriarchal and colonial systems - perpetuating cycles of poverty.

  • We are committed to providing lower-cost investment services to those who need it, by offering a sliding scale. By offering a default annual fee, or the opportunity to pay a generous fee if you’re in a position to do so, we are able to offer a sliding scale of lower fees for those who request it. We ask our community to support us in this initiative by paying what they can on the fee scale.

  • We aim to be an organization where your income, background, and lived experiences will not be barriers to accessing our services.

Body Neutrality

All bodies are welcome here.

Body stigmas, including skinny-shaming, fat-shaming and fatphobia, are not cool. If you have questions about our seating or accessibility, please contact us and we will be happy to assist in any way we can.

A note for our fat-bodied clients: You are welcome here, as you are! We will respect the terminology you use to discuss your body size, or the choice to not address it at all. One unfortunate aspect of the financial industry is sizeism in the insurance industry. While we can’t “fix” the entire industry (yet, but give us time!), we will center your lived experience while working within the confines of the system. If you wish to apply for insurance, we will provide upfront information about how various insurers assess weight. We will offer support and advice about how to apply for the best insurance coverage for your needs, based on your situation. 

At Smart Investments, we will do everything we can to create a safer space for all.