I do invest in stocks. I had to restarted last year, since I could no longer bare the heritage of my stupid past self having an account on eToro. So it was easy to make the move to non-US and mainly European (or EU-allied) options.

I live in Sweden now, and the trading app Avanza has a lot of diverse fonds with European focus. They have nice breakdowns of funds into companies, countries, percent of investment that goes to “questionable” industries and to sustainable development goals-related industries/practices, sustainability scores, etc. They also show statistics. and US-focused funds have not been close to the best performing ones in recent years (Eastern EU, Iberia, gold/silver). Maybe you can find something similar?

and more to investing in community/friends/skills

I generally agree and find this remark important. What is more, many modern people do the opposite - they take care of their pension, get a good one, but are left lonely and alienated in their old age, with no friends nor passions. Often divorced and with kids who don’t really want to see their grumpy old boomer parents.

However, I would suggest precaution. It is likely, even if not preferable, that you will get old in a money-driven society. Also, you don’t want to rely on you friends for (more or less) basic material needs, especially if they work their asses off to get this extra money - the potential for conflict should be apparent.

Having said that, there are financial alternatives to stocks. You can, e.g., invest in peer-to-peer loans, e.g. ones investing in renewable energy (see Trine or Enerfip). This keeps you a bit further away from big bussiness, which might be good both for your consience, and your wallet.

Also, getting away from renters, be it landlords or cloudlords, is great from financial independence.