5 WAYS HOW WE WOMEN OF THE NEW DECADE CAN BE FINANCIALLY SMART
After realising that I needed to put it out there that women today need to be financially independent for various reasons, a beloved one reminded me that along with being independent, we needed to be financially smart too. Otherwise, being independent did not make much sense unless you’re earning just for the moment.
So, we curated a little list for moms, especially, who do not have the time to spend on asking Mr Google how they can be financially smart. By the way, this can also be followed by people who belong to the ‘cream crowd’ because financial tragedies can happen to anyone and being aware and ready is a good thing.
Pay bills yourself: We have seen so many women let their husbands handle all the finances and pay all the bills while the women have no clue how to even go about it. But, learning to pay your bills gives you the knowledge of how to make a transaction, request for a cheque book, open a Fixed Deposit, make a complaint and more.
Keep a credentials list: If you cannot remember so many usernames and passwords, make a list and keep it safe. I normally use Excel to do the needful. Being a freelancer, we have more than 100 usernames and passwords for various websites and applications too, so it helps when all credentials are in one place.
Invest your money: A woman should make it a point to learn various investment options. Fixed Deposits or buying gold bullions are not the only choices though they are the most common. You can hire an authorized financial planner to help you on the various ways to invest and save for retirement. Avoid chit-funds because it is extremely risky to trust other people with your money and without any legal proof. Also, keep the details of your investments in a safe place.
Keep track of your finances: Always keep a track of your income as well as expenditure, yourself, so you know exactly how much you have and how much you are spending. Try and save some money for a rainy day. Try not to dump all the tracking and debit cards on someone else.
Teach your children to save: Teaching your kids the value of money at a young age may or may not be possible but teaching them to save their pocket money is surely thinkable. Try and open a deposit in their name or ask them to save money in their piggy banks, but whichever method you use, make sure you continue to guide them all through their growing years. This will allow them to understand that financially smart and financially independent are both important.
Ideas to being financially smart
You do not have to be a genius to be financially smart. I have seen smart people who do not know how to manage their finances and I have also seen not-so-smart people get richer by the day. So, basically what I am trying to say here is that we women have to try and be aware of what is going on around us, learn how to pay our own bills and make sure we save a fixed amount daily at the very least, just in case.
Cindy D'Silva, besides being a mother of two angels, is a belly dancer, writer and photographer. She loves partying, bowling and eating sushi. There is a detailed biography about her on the ABOUT ME page in case you would like to know more. :)
You can like and follow her Facebook page to get all updates on the latest blogs and more: https://www.facebook.com/blogaberry/
[…] BE INDEPENDENT – Though I began working at a young age, I was never aware of how to manage my finances. Right now, as I am not independent, there are many instances where I have to compromise or adjust. […]
Seriously this is one topic which they should teach in school. Smart financial planning is super important in todays world. An online recurring deposit is also a good idea for a rainy day account
The era we are living in are construed as developing and women have greater roles to play. No more are women dependent on their men for financial matters as they are equally educated to take all financial decisions themselves. This post gives a detailed description of taking things under their control and to make their children financially smart.
Personally, I believe being financially smart is more essential than being financially independent. I say this as I recall how my mother managed our house so well. She has been a housewife throughout her life but her command over managing money helped in giving us a comfortable life throughout.
All I can say is that when a woman becomes financially smart she not just influences the finances but the whole family as well.
You have brought very important pointers under notice, for women , of how to start being financially independent rather than just being independent. Well written post!
These are all wonderful tips Cindy. I also keep a budget excel sheet on my laptop which accounts for every rupee I spend or earn. It’s a really useful way to stay on track!
I agree, being financially independent and smart about it is very important. Whether we earn or not, every woman should be aware of the family finances and a good man shares his knowledge with her. I love how you have also written that it is important we teach our kids too about finances! Keeping an excel sheet is a good idea too; I also keep a record on my iPhone’s “keychain.” I feel we should have it in multiple places so that even if we lose one, the other is available. – Brinda
I completely agree with you, nowadays with changing time, women need to be financially smart . you had shared really easy to do options here like paying your own bills, with these simple steps women can learn a lot gradually and can live their lives confidently.
Financial independence is the utmost need of the hour, Women of the new decade certainly don’t want to be dependent when she herself can take care of finances. Doable tips and informative post.
This century women needs to be more financially stronger n to be that she shld be aware of many facts.Evwn now I know plp who are not aware and least coincious about job or finance, they are happy with the husband’s identity.I will share this article with them.
But really I appreciate woman who have her own Identity ,who are financially independent.Your points are quiet nice
Lovely writeup.
I do all the above – well almost. Keeping track of your expenses is perhaps the most difficult part. But one good thing I have done quite recently is not carrying the credit card with me!
To be financially smart, investing the money and keeping a track of the money really very important. Other factors too matter but I feel these two are above all other factors. And I see there are many women in the finance sector, already being smart in the field. Women are financially smart in the present times.
[…] is effectively balancing your work, home and personal life. If you can handle it well, while being financially smart, you have cracked the code! Not forgetting the age old saying, ‘a happy wife makes a happy […]
26 Comments
[…] BE INDEPENDENT – Though I began working at a young age, I was never aware of how to manage my finances. Right now, as I am not independent, there are many instances where I have to compromise or adjust. […]
Seriously this is one topic which they should teach in school. Smart financial planning is super important in todays world. An online recurring deposit is also a good idea for a rainy day account
Oh yes. That’s what I want to do too, but only once I get a regular income it makes sense.
In this era it’s not only important to be independent but also financially. Well mentioned pointers. Very informative and practical post.
The era we are living in are construed as developing and women have greater roles to play. No more are women dependent on their men for financial matters as they are equally educated to take all financial decisions themselves. This post gives a detailed description of taking things under their control and to make their children financially smart.
You will be surprised how many women are totally dependent on their men. Emotionally and financially
I agree, paying your own bills is a sense of relief and satisfaction. I also teach kids to save .
Yeah me too. My daughter does not have the keys to her own piggy bank. Hahahaha!
Personally, I believe being financially smart is more essential than being financially independent. I say this as I recall how my mother managed our house so well. She has been a housewife throughout her life but her command over managing money helped in giving us a comfortable life throughout.
All I can say is that when a woman becomes financially smart she not just influences the finances but the whole family as well.
#readbypreetispanorama
You have brought very important pointers under notice, for women , of how to start being financially independent rather than just being independent. Well written post!
Useful list and its needed for everyone as the world is getting expensive in every other way. We need to save the money and be strong financially.
These are all wonderful tips Cindy. I also keep a budget excel sheet on my laptop which accounts for every rupee I spend or earn. It’s a really useful way to stay on track!
I think being a lawyer has already taught you all this, right? 😀
I appreciate your post, Cindy. We all so desire to stay financially independent and the 5 tips do give us good ideas.
Completely agree Cindy. It is important to earn and more important to manage your income and expenses well.
I agree, being financially independent and smart about it is very important. Whether we earn or not, every woman should be aware of the family finances and a good man shares his knowledge with her. I love how you have also written that it is important we teach our kids too about finances! Keeping an excel sheet is a good idea too; I also keep a record on my iPhone’s “keychain.” I feel we should have it in multiple places so that even if we lose one, the other is available. – Brinda
Oh yes that’s a pretty good idea.
I completely agree with you, nowadays with changing time, women need to be financially smart . you had shared really easy to do options here like paying your own bills, with these simple steps women can learn a lot gradually and can live their lives confidently.
Financial independence is the utmost need of the hour, Women of the new decade certainly don’t want to be dependent when she herself can take care of finances. Doable tips and informative post.
This century women needs to be more financially stronger n to be that she shld be aware of many facts.Evwn now I know plp who are not aware and least coincious about job or finance, they are happy with the husband’s identity.I will share this article with them.
But really I appreciate woman who have her own Identity ,who are financially independent.Your points are quiet nice
Lovely writeup.
Thanks Pallavi. Do share it with them.
Your article is very worth appreciated because in this era women needs to be independent in her life.
I do all the above – well almost. Keeping track of your expenses is perhaps the most difficult part. But one good thing I have done quite recently is not carrying the credit card with me!
To be financially smart, investing the money and keeping a track of the money really very important. Other factors too matter but I feel these two are above all other factors. And I see there are many women in the finance sector, already being smart in the field. Women are financially smart in the present times.
Nice article you write for motivational in females
[…] is effectively balancing your work, home and personal life. If you can handle it well, while being financially smart, you have cracked the code! Not forgetting the age old saying, ‘a happy wife makes a happy […]