5 Money Lessons Women Must Learn
It's important to understand these five basic points in order to take control of your life and be financially independent.
When I was growing up, I asked a male financial advisor about how to invest my money. I knew there had to be more to it than moving funds from checking to savings every payday, but his answer surprised me.
He tapped me on the head (literally! Can you believe that?) and said, "Don't worry about money. Just find a good man, and he will take care of you."
I knew in that moment that I wanted to help women understand money. Life happens, and if you've been around for any period of time, you know getting a man isn't the answer to your financial plan!
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
In fact, in some families, the women, not the men, are the ones who meet with a financial professional like me. In other cases, with both male and female clients, I do a lot of teaching about why it's important to understand family finances, even if you're not the one who understands numbers and investing.
Here are five things you must understand about money:
1. Money is an emotional topic.
Many people are uncomfortable talking about money—and women are especially prone to think of the subject as taboo. But avoiding the subject means missing opportunities to learn more about it take control of your finances.
Especially with your financial professional, don't be shy. She needs to understand your budget (income, expenses and debt), money-related goals (buying a house, paying off debt) and current investments. Be honest so they can provide an accurate plan.
More importantly, you and your spouse need to communicate about money whether it's the joint checking account, paying off debt, monthly spending or planning for the future. No financial plan is going to work if you're not communicating.
2. Reviewing beneficiaries is important.
When was the last time you reviewed beneficiaries? If you can't remember, it's time to go through every bank and investment account and insurance policy. Many women don't take care of themselves as they should. They end up being the primary caregivers of not only their children, but also their aging parents, yet they fail to think about what will happen financially with their children and parents should they pass away. This is especially true if you've gotten divorced. You wouldn't want to die and have your ex get your hard-earned money! Not sure where to start? Call a financial professional to guide you.
3. Everyone needs an estate plan.
What's your legacy? All too often I hear women and couples tell me that estate planning is only for people who have a lot of money, but that's simply not true. An estate plan includes directives for your care should you become incapacitated and where money and other assets are to be dispersed in the event of your death. Again, we come back to taking care of ourselves as women. We need to think about what we want for ourselves should we become incapacitated and unable to make those decisions for ourselves any longer.
Additionally, we have to make sure our assets and valuables go to the people we hold dearest to our hearts. Otherwise, anything we own, goes through probate before our loved ones have any say in what happens to our personal belongings. Most importantly, an estate plan gives your loved ones peace of mind about your wishes.
4. Saving for retirement should be a priority.
If I had to guess, I'd say that you don't want to work until you take your last breath, but you also can't just pick a date to stop working. Having a retirement plan that will fund the lifestyle that you desire is vital. So many women do not have the savings they need in order to maintain their lifestyles through their retirement years, and unfortunately, many women live in poverty during that time of their lives due to lack of planning and saving. Many people begin with an employer sponsored plan and a conversation with a financial professional. Taking the time to plan and start saving as soon as possible is absolutely vital, and finding a financial planner who understands you will help you feel comfortable when discussing this topic.
5. Financing adult children should not be a priority.
This is one of my pet peeves. While I understand there are times when parents take care of adult children or support them financially, your goal as a parent should be to have your children able to support themselves financially. As a mother, you will always feel an obligation to ensure your child is safe, happy and secure, but your children need to be responsible for their own financial wellbeing at some point. You can't fall into the trap of supporting your adult children. Otherwise you will be spending your retirement financing adults who could be supporting themselves.
As women we're often told that a financial plan includes a rich husband but we know that's not reality. We've created our own businesses, raised our children and created a lifestyle that no one can take from us. It's time to take money matters into our own hands and create a financial future of our dreams! With the help of a financial professional, you're well on your way!
Shanna Tingom is a Registered Representative, securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisor Representative, Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc. a Registered Investment Advisor, Cambridge and Heritage Financial Strategies are not affiliated.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
Shanna Tingom is a registered representative, securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a Broker/Dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Cambridge and Heritage Financial Strategies are not affiliated.
-
Best Cold Weather Places to Retire
Places to live Some like it hot; others not so much. Here are the 12 best places to retire if you can't stand the heat.
By Stacy Rapacon Published
-
Getting Divorced? Beware of Hidden Tax Traps as You Divide Assets
Dividing assets fairly in a divorce means looking beyond their current values and asking whether they'll create tax liabilities — or tax breaks — in the future.
By Stacy Francis, CFP®, CDFA®, CES™ Published
-
Getting Divorced? Beware of Hidden Tax Traps as You Divide Assets
Dividing assets fairly in a divorce means looking beyond their current values and asking whether they'll create tax liabilities — or tax breaks — in the future.
By Stacy Francis, CFP®, CDFA®, CES™ Published
-
A Social Security Storm Is Gathering: Here's Your Safety Plan
If Social Security reserves are depleted by 2033, as predicted, future benefits could be cut by as much as 21%. Here’s how to weather the impending storm.
By Brian Gray Published
-
How to Avoid These 10 Retirement Planning Mistakes
Many retirement planning mistakes are easily avoidable. Here are 10 to have on your radar so you don't end up running out of money in your golden years.
By Romi Savova Published
-
Before the Next Time Markets Sink, Do Your Lifeboat Drills
An eventual market crash is inevitable. We can't predict when, but preparing for the ups and downs of investing is imperative. Here's what to do.
By Andrew Rosen, CFP®, CEP Published
-
This Late-in-Life Roth Conversion Opportunity Spares Your Heirs
Expensive medical care in the later stages of life is an unpleasant reality for many, but it can open a window for a Roth conversion that benefits your heirs.
By Evan T. Beach, CFP®, AWMA® Published
-
Women, What Is Your Net Worth?
Many women have no idea what their net worth is, or even how to calculate it. Many also turn to social media finfluencers for advice. Here's what to do instead.
By Neale Godfrey, Financial Literacy Expert Published
-
Converting Retirement Savings to a Roth IRA? Don't Do This
You might want to convert all of your savings to a Roth in one go, but you could end up paying hundreds of thousands more in taxes than you have to.
By Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC® Published
-
What Is Your 'Enough Is Enough' Number for Retirement?
Chasing a 'magic number' for retirement can be anxiety-inducing. Instead, build your plans around a personal number that reflects your individual circumstances.
By Scott M. Dougan, RFC, Investment Adviser Published