Really?
I keep running into all these websites, blogs, etc. providing specific financial education for women. Many of the articles, posts, what-have-you seem to be focused on explaining to women why they need to plan financially. Are women still caught up in this I-don’t-have-to-be-proactive-about-my-money-because-my-husband/boyfriend/partner-will-do-it-for-me stuff?
As a woman that grew up in the booming 80’s and progressive 90’s it never occurred to me that I should be waiting for anyone to take care of me. All my heroes took care of themselves, both female and male. I grew up knowing that I would graduate from college, helm my destiny, grow my retirement fund, and create happiness for myself. Is this not true of all American women my age? Do we really need to be told that it’s important to be fiscally savvy?
I’m crazy, so maybe this is an area that I’ve overlooked. I put it you: women, what did you think your life would like like as an adult when you were a teen? How have you taken care of financial planning as an adult? Does your life look the way you thought it would?
Share your thoughts in the comments section below
Shay Olivarria is the most dynamic financial education speaker working today. She has written three books on personal finance, contributes to multiple online media platforms, and is a foster care alumni. She’s been quoted on Bankrate.com, FoxBusiness.com, and The Credit Union Times, among others. Visit http://www.BiggerThanYourBlock.com to find out more about her work.
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Bigger Than Your Block 
Good AM
I am a financial adviser focusing on the needs of women who make the financial decisions in the household and just came across your blog.
I enjoyed your post, especially the empowerment you describe in the second paragraph.
Apropos to your post, here are a couple related points you may want to share with your readers:
1. Don’t rely on someone else, like a husband or boyfriend, for your financial security. Educate yourself about money management and investing.
2. Set goals – it’s key to financial success.
3. It’s never too late to start
4. Don’t use money to make yourself feel good. Instead, act in a way that promotes self-respect and creativity…Think: “do I need this or do I want this?”
5. Spend less than you earn…Sounds simple, BUT effective!
6. Get emotional support, if you need it.
7. Build an emergency fund. Without one, losing your job or incurring a large unexpected bill could force you to take on heavy credit card debt, and could put you into a financial hole that will be difficult if not impossible to dig your way out of.
8. Stay involved in the day-to-day management of your household finances; discuss money with your spouse and do not live in “la-la land.”
9. Don’t take on your partner’s or spouse’s debt when you marry. Wait until you’re both out of debt before tying the knot, or protect yourself with a pre-nuptial agreement. They’re not only for the rich
10. Don’t let the fear of losing money, fear of failure, or fear of the unknown stop you from investing.
11. If you make a mistake, learn from it, do not let it hobble you…It is what you do after the mistake that counts!
Good Luck.
Doug eaton
Doug,
Thanks for your tips. I guess the part I always wonder about it is …. does there really need to be financial education directed specifically at women? Don’t all people need to be responsible financially?
Shay
I understand your concern about what seems to be a targeted approach directed at the “woman’s demographic.
However, only in the last several years, women have in fact become important players in household financial planning matters and therefore have become an important demographic to those who sell advice and services.
Your attitude is healthy and relevant: you have taken control of the knowledge you require, but i am sorry to say that you are in the minority.
Much of the targeted approach you speak of is directed towards those who are in transition, such as those who are widowed, experiencing divorce and others whom are new to wealth.
However, what is important to note is that much of the advice aimed at women has largely been based on a “man’s world” with regard to money management and nowadays, that is changing, much to the benefit of those who will benefit from the additional value-added information.
Doug