Before I was married, I was very good at taking care of my own finances--balancing my checkbook, paying my bills, saving money, etc. Once I got married, my husband took over all of those chores. Oh, I have a say in major financial decisions, but for the most part, he does all the day to day work of our finances--and he is good at it. Over the years, I have forgotten how to do most of these financial activities.
Women and Money
In her new book, Women and Money, Suze Orman scolds women like me who relinquish financial control of their money to men. Suze believes that women must know how to handle their own finances, because the sad truth is that there are far more widows than widowers out there and many women will have to be financially responsible for themselves some day in their future whether they want to or not. Reading this book was hard for me because I saw myself in every situation Suze describes.
Women and Financial Independence
One of the main suggestions she makes that she believes will help all women prepare for the possible eventuality of being totally financially independent is for every woman (single or married) to have her own checking and savings account--not just share a joint account with her husband (if she's married). This, she argues, will help a woman maintain those financial skills and keep her knowledgeable about her financial situation. I was so struck by Suze's plea and her arguments that I immediately opened my own checking and savings accounts. It has been about six months now and I am still struggling with maintaining them (I hate to admit it, but my husband has to help me balance the checkbook once in a while). Even so, I am so glad I took this step--albeit a baby step it feels like. I know I am doing this for my own good and my efforts are helping me become financially independent.
A Message to Women
So, this is my message about money to all women out there. Don't assume your husband (father, boyfriend, etc.) will always be there to take care of your finances for you. You can and must know how to survive on your own and handle your own money. The only way to do that, is to do it yourself. You will be proud you did.
In her new book, Women and Money, Suze Orman scolds women like me who relinquish financial control of their money to men. Suze believes that women must know how to handle their own finances, because the sad truth is that there are far more widows than widowers out there and many women will have to be financially responsible for themselves some day in their future whether they want to or not. Reading this book was hard for me because I saw myself in every situation Suze describes.
Women and Financial Independence
One of the main suggestions she makes that she believes will help all women prepare for the possible eventuality of being totally financially independent is for every woman (single or married) to have her own checking and savings account--not just share a joint account with her husband (if she's married). This, she argues, will help a woman maintain those financial skills and keep her knowledgeable about her financial situation. I was so struck by Suze's plea and her arguments that I immediately opened my own checking and savings accounts. It has been about six months now and I am still struggling with maintaining them (I hate to admit it, but my husband has to help me balance the checkbook once in a while). Even so, I am so glad I took this step--albeit a baby step it feels like. I know I am doing this for my own good and my efforts are helping me become financially independent.
A Message to Women
So, this is my message about money to all women out there. Don't assume your husband (father, boyfriend, etc.) will always be there to take care of your finances for you. You can and must know how to survive on your own and handle your own money. The only way to do that, is to do it yourself. You will be proud you did.
.jpg)
1 comments:
very practical way to be truly independent. maybe one of these days i can also do this.
Post a Comment