Being self-aware can help you define your values and remind you about what matters most. For some of us, this means taking a green bag to the supermarket or boycotting cosmetics tested on animals. But why stop there? You can ask yourself if your banking habits reflect your values, too.

If you want to put your money where your mouth is on an ethical level, check out these feel-good banking products...

Choose a bank that gives back

When it comes to making feel-good money choices, it’s a wise idea to start at the heart of all finances - the bank. It’s not uncommon for a bank to support or invest in different environmental organisations. For example, Bank Australia donate 4% of their after-tax profits to their Impact Fund, which supports projects involving human rights and the environment.

And if you’re a Heritage Bank customer, you can donate a percentage of your daily Community Saver Account balance to an organisation of your choice every three months. So take a look at your bank’s practises to ensure its values align with yours. If not, it might be time to switch.

Opt for charitable plastic

These days, our credit cards can do more than just tackle everyday spending. But did you know you can also support charities with your plastic?

For example, Community First are a member-owned organisation that currently offer a low rate credit card, called the McGrath Pink Visa. For as long as you own this card, Community First will donate half of your card’s annual $20 fee to the McGrath Foundation - a charity which helps place Breast Care Nurses in communities across the country.

But if you’re more a Mastercard fan, with Bendigo Bank, you can pick up an RSPCA Mastercard and have a percentage of your monthly spend donated to the RSPCA. And if you really want to help out, you also have the option to have $5 debited monthly from your account and put towards the RSPCA Adoptapet.

Put some heart in your home loan

With interest rates predicted to drop this year, it won’t be surprising if many Aussies take the chance to refinance their home loan. And at Beyond Bank, you can do just that with their Community Reward Package, which will give you $750 back if you move your loan to them and donate another $250 to an organisation of your choosing.

Along with the Community Reward Package, you’ll also be able to open a Beyond Bank savings account with a high interest rate, where the more you save, the more gets passed onto your charity.

Put out some positive energy

In 2017 more and more women switched to natural beauty products and “energy efficiency” became a buzzier phrase. And with solar and renewable options rising in popularity, it might be time for you to make the switch to a more sustainable and ethical solution. Check out providers like Powershop and Energy Locals, who sell carbon neutral electricity.

Another Australian owned energy company, Red Energy, not only provides clean energy to customers, but sponsors a number of organisations which range from schools that assist children with disabilities, to raising awareness for Aussies affected by breast cancer.

Kirsty Lamont - Mozo Money Expert

Kirsty Lamont is a Director at financial comparison website mozo.com.au and a firm believer in always finding smarter ways to get the most out of your money. She is passionate about helping Australians develop their money management skills so they can make better, more informed choices when it comes to their personal finances.