The topic of women and money is a vitally important one. Women are increasingly becoming the primary breadwinners in families. Women account for most of the major purchases and budgeting decisions involved in running a home, including appliances, furniture, even automobiles.
Despite all this, according to a Fidelity Investment study, 80% of women are reluctant to discuss money, finances, and money management with family and friends. Why the disconnect?
CNBC discovered many factors for this. One is upbringing. Many parents admit they were more likely to discuss budgeting with their sons versus their daughters. As a matter of fact, girls are often told not to discuss finances. This could explain why 32% of women feel uncomfortable talking about money, and 16% feel that the issue is taboo.
Another factor is emotion. For women, money tends to be fraught with emotion. Having what one considers “enough” money can make women feel a sense of security, safety, status, and opportunity. Conversely, feeling like money is scarce can lead to feelings of anxiety, hopelessness, and uncertainty.
Compounding the problem is the issue of salary: if a woman feels she makes more than her peers, she often feels embarrassed or timid. If she feels she makes less, she can feel inadequate or diminished.
Women and money: what can we do?
According to Marketwatch, 90% of women will be solely responsible for their finances at some point in their lives… whether from staying single, experiencing divorce, or simply outliving men. So getting involved in financial planning, learning financial terminology, and getting comfortable discussing finances is paramount. Where can you start?
Related: Get your spouse on board with budgeting.
Ask a friend, family member, or co-worker if they have a financial planner they like. Read financial magazines and articles and get familiar with financial terms and products. Take the emotion out of money, and instead, see it as a tool. Realize that wherever you are with your financial knowledge, no one is going to judge you.
Qube Money gives you the power to create positive change. One way we do this is through a monthly blog post researched and written by a female financial advisor to a Facebook community where women can discuss finances, check-in with one another, and stay informed. Women learn, in part, by talking to others. Use that to your advantage and speak up, speak out and share.
Related: Why Qube really is the best budgeting app.