Ask 100 single black women about the quality that ranks at the top of the “What I Want Out of Life” priority list, and nine times out of ten they’ll say independence. Ask the same question of married women and they most often site family. But at the root of that response, is having enough money to provide adequately for their children. In both cases the concept is the same, women want security via financial independence.
Financial independence generally means accumulating enough assets to generate income that is exceeds your expenses. What it is not, is living paycheck to Monday. Many of us too readily dismiss the notion of ever being truly financially independent. We write it off as an unattainable goal or an impossible dream. But in actuality, financial independence is more of a possibility than hitting the lottery or perhaps even landing the man of your dreams. And ladies, let’s be realistic — if you’re financially dependent on him, then you’re not really independent or secure are you?
Educate yourself about financial opportunities. Just because your mother didn’t invest in the stock market or explore mutual funds and IRAs, doesn’t mean you can’t. You are probably earning more than your mom and thanks to the age of technology, we have the added benefit of access to information about money and investments 24/7.
Financial planner Sunshine Estivo of Omniwealth says she can’t emphasize enough to her clients the importance of setting financial goals. “Goal setting is so important in every aspect of your life. This includes your financial future, because a lack of goal setting in this area can have a devastating impact if it is not addressed early on. A large number of intelligent and successful women will not achieve financial independence in their lives because they plan to fail — they fail to plan,” says Estivo.
Chances are you’ve received more than one email touting work-at-home opportunities — complete with testimonials from women who are earning hundreds of dollars a day working at home — but before you call it junk and push the delete button, take a look and determine if it’s a legitimate business possibility and if it’s a good match for you. If you can generate some dollars without any or minimal investment, it may be worth your consideration and time. -roz edward
Try these books for learning more about financial independence:
Girl, Make Your Money Grow!: A Sister’s Guide to Protecting Your Future and Enriching Your Life, Glinda Bridgforth and Gail Perry-Mason
Sister Ceo: The Black Woman’s Guide to Starting Your Own Business, Cheryl D. Broussard
