Imagine yourself in your teens – more carefree days and less responsibility. Bills are not in focus, neither are familial responsibilities. Now, travel back to today. You’re defying the rise of time famine. There’s notifications, emails, kids, boss, colleagues among other things always vying for your attention. It is easy to feel exhausted and you wishing for a distraction free, ‘me time’.

Women are natural nurturers, always caring for family, planning for loved ones yet working to earn for their keep and build their own identity. If you find yourself, agreeing to any or all of the above you are not alone. Movies are yet to showcase strong, self-sufficient, ahead of the curve female leads, the inspiring and influencing ladies you meet in real life. 

With so many women breaking glass ceilings, there are few who know nothing about their family finances. Women rely on their father, husband, brother and male members of their family as money managers. There are few working women, who despite earning well, don’t have complete control of their finances. Even in times where we are progressing towards a future-forward tech enabled lifestyle, husbands don’t trust their wives with family money. 

Have you ever considered sketching your own financial future? Making the decisions (big or small) on your own? Here are reasons why you, a woman, should take charge of your financial future.

1.   Balancing the ticking of biological clock and career clock 

Women are constantly challenged by time. Their careers are always met by breaks – marriage, kids. Compared to men, a woman has to take sabbatical out of need more than choice. These sabbatical are even longer with lesser career choices and security post break. To ensure you don’t sink a deep hole or face financial issues, plan your break and finances smartly. 

2. Equanimity is a long road ahead

Women are overcoming generational curses. It’s not an easy path and there’s still a long way to go. Pay scales at work are still not at par. Neither are opportunities. Women have to work harder and struggle to make their way. Emotional guilt and societal pressures are not easy to navigate either. With so much riding against you, believing and making your own successful financial path is a necessity.

3. Rewards vs. Safety

Women are conditioned to stay alert. They have to watch out for their safety at every point. With the mind conditioned to prioritize safety, their investment strategy also unconsciously reflects the same. Women prefer to opt for risk averse financial instruments as compared to risky and high reward investment options.

4.  Unpredictability of Life

Relying on your spouse or any other family member for finances puts you in a state of co-dependence. What happens in case of an untoward event? Moreover why not look after and build your own roadmap to financial freedom, one that is rooted in your priorities and preferences.

5.  Prioritizing Self-Love Minus Guilt

When you are financially secure, protected and free, you don’t have to live paycheck-to-paycheck. You can take breaks without worry. And while you’re at it, enjoy a little me time. You’ll only bounce back feeling fresh and with a renewed energy.