Let’s get women of Australia talking
30/01 - Category: Planning Ahead
"It is very vulgar to talk about one's business. Only people like stockbrokers do that, and then merely at dinner parties." -Oscar Wilde
I share the most intimate details of my life with my close girlfriends. I’ll talk about my relationships, my children and my work. In deeper moments, I’ll share my hopes and dreams, my insecurities and sadness. And of course I love to chat about the fluffy stuff like clothes, celebrities and gossip! But money has never been high on our list of conversation topics.
It?s not because it’s not important. On the contrary most of us have a desire, need for and interest in money. But finance is an area I’ve never really felt comfortable discussing. Perhaps I’ve perceived it as being socially improper or bad manners to discuss. Talking money might be seen as being materialistic or over-valuing myself. Gosh, I’m even uncomfortable discussing money with a tradesman!
This lack of confidence has affected my interest and understanding of finance. And according to the ANZ Women and Money Confidence Report, I am not alone. My sentiments are shared by the majority of Australian women. It seems that talking money is still a taboo.
This needs to change because the implications of such silence are significant. Most Australian women don’t have someone they are comfortable talking to about money. This means they are less confident when it comes to making financial decisions and may put off making a decision until triggered by a major life change or event. As a result, most don’t feel confident about their financial future.
My challenge is to put money on the agenda, to encourage more women to take an active interest in finance. I believe it’s important to take control and responsibility for your finances. Making decisions, even if they are small, can be incredibly empowering. The freedom and independence that comes from increasing your knowledge is seductive. Not to mention the education process can be exciting, challenging and stimulating. I hope you’ll join me in my challenge.
