We Don’t Dance Now, We Make Money Moves
You’re a strong, independent woman, and you don’t need no man! Um, duh? It’s 2023—we’re so past that. We don’t need to tell you why it’s important to be financially independent as a woman. You already know. You don’t need a man or a woman (or any other partner) to stand on your own two feet in the world. You decided a long time ago that you’re going to get your sh*t together and keep your sh*t together, and we’re so here for it. Time to put on your big girl panties and your highest heels, ladies, because these thigh-high boots were made for power walkin’ straight into the bank.
What Kind of Moves Do You Want to Make?
As you’re striding down the sidewalk like it’s a catwalk, confident and perfectly balanced in your shiniest pumps, it happens. You stop in your tracks and say to the imaginary audience, “What do I even want? What does financial independence mean to me?” This is a fabulous moment for you to consider your priorities. Independence comes in many different shapes and sizes, so you have to figure where your monetary mind is at. What would make you feel the most secure? Owning a house? A huge savings account? Having enough to travel and see the world? Retiring at 50? Consider these things early in the game, because the more you know about yourself and what you want, the easier it will be to make a solid finance plan. And yes, of course, we’re always evolving. Things are going to change. When they do, all the planning you’ve already done is going to make it so much easier for you to adjust. Your stride won’t even falter.
Hey Big Spender, Try Saving A Little
Spend money to get money, right? WRONG. So, so wrong. We love retail therapy and restaurants just as much as anyone else, but that’s really not the move you want to make—especially at the beginning. This is a game of chess, not checkers. Be smart about what you spend your money on. The easiest way to do that is by budgeting. Look at your income and expenses, then calculate out how much you want to save and how much you want to spend. If you know you’re a party girl, there’s nothing wrong with setting aside a small amount from each paycheck to live it up a little. The important thing is to set limits for yourself, and stick to them. Lucky for you, the internet (and your bank) is full of software to help you out. Making a personal spending budget has never been easier.
Give Yourself a Little Credit, Darling
You need more than a little, actually. Aside from paying your taxes on time, building good credit is vital. We have a love-hate relationship with credit and credit cards, but in the end, we know we can’t live without each other. Credit is all about trust. Pay your bills on time, stay on the bank’s good side, and you shouldn’t have any issues getting what you want. If you have good credit, you can have nice things. You can rent an apartment, secure a loan, get car insurance, for example. It doesn’t stop there. Credit cards can earn you rewards or points. Those can go toward airline travel, hotel stays, or just give you simple cash back.
When It’s Not You, It’s Us
We’re a nuanced society, so we know independent doesn’t mean forever alone. You’ve heard of going Dutch, right? It’s very possible to be in a committed relationship and still be financially independent. Joint accounts for married couples are really cute and all, but given the current divorce rate in the United States…it’s probably a good idea to keep a separate checking and savings account, and keep those passwords private! That’s your money, and no one else’s. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be completely church and state. One healthy and adorable way couples can feel secure in their own finances while staying connected is to use their joint account exclusively for date nights and vacations. Compromise, and be rewarded!
Here We Go Again
So, how do those big girl boots feel now? You ready to start walking? In this digital age, one thing’s for sure. You’ll never actually be alone. There will always be resources like us to guide you on your forays into the financial realm. See you on the field, ladies. We’re rooting for you.
