Women - Put Your Big Girl Money Pants On!

Do you stick your head in the sand when it comes to your money problems? It's a common tendency. We think we can make something go away if we don't think about it. This is magical thinking which is how children operate. It's sad to say that sometimes we grown ups are so afraid of our financial circumstanceswe treat our money like a child would.  I get it - I have been there done that. But, it's time to put your big girl money pants on and look at exactly what's happening with your financial situation.

First, face the fact that your money problems will not get any better until you start dealing with them. Second, look at exactly what your bills are and your income. Then define your options. For example, a woman I spoke with this week has overwhelming credit card debt - not unusual these days.  I advised her to see a bankruptcy attorney to get advice about whether filing is in her best interest.  Another women I spoke with is just barely putting food on the table and she has teenagers that want new clothes. Understandable, but.... Teenagers can be part of their own solution. Don't give them all the gory financial details but let them know there isn't money for extras and if they want new clothes they can babysit, (I printed out flyers and distributed them in my neighborhood when I was 15), or yes, even work at a fast food restaurant. 

Women are smart, creative and full of incredible potential. If you know of a woman that's really good with her money, ask her to give you some mentoring help or support. Read to increase your awareness about how you feel about money, what your behavior patterns and beliefs are that support or limit you, and to know how to manage your money. Books I recommend include Suze Orman's Women & Money, Lynne Twist's, The Soul of Money, Deborah Price's Money Magic and Chellie Campbell's The Wealthy Spirit.  We women have got to take care of ourselves and taking control of our money is an important way to put those big girl pants on!!

Can Women Save the Economy?

Remember Rosie the Riveter from World War II? Six million women strapped on their boots, learned a new skill and went to work building everything from ships to planes. Does the economy need that kind of determination, focus, creativity and strength now? 

This economic time is an opportunity for women to really step up into their own power. Women are super busy and often reluctant - "who am I to run for office, try for a management position, believe I can make $100,000 a year or more?" Women collectively struggle with self-worth and it shows in our expectations and our paychecks.

Right now America needs women to take the promises of the 70s feminist movement to heart and express those ideals in a very bold 2011 manner. Women can save the economy by starting businesses, (More women than men are today) and by hiriing other women and by applauding and supporting successful women rather than bashing them. Women can save the economy by making more money and encouraging other women to make ore money. And, as I shared with my cousin Kim Kelly (K2Sells.com) who is a powerful woman and making plentyof money, by giving back to other women through donations and giving a leg up. For example, if you live in the Central Valley, the West Side Women in Action Business Conference is Friday Oct 7th (www.wswia.org). WSWIA gives money for educational scholarships for girls and women in the Central Valley. Still accepting scholarship applications, by the way.

Kristen Gillibrand, a rising star in Congress, mother of two believes it is vital that women's economic potential be unleashed to bring the country out of it's economic malaise. "If women earned dollar for dollar what men do," she says, "it could raise the GCP by 9%. This affects every American family."

Supporting other women is not about not supporting the men. But, here's the thing - women have only been in the workforce in the numbers they are today, since the 70s. We're playing catch up financially, politically and in the corporate world. There is still a glass ceiling and when a woman breaks through, it's so important for her to mentor other women up the ladder. Every woman we mentor, support or encourage sends a message that women are valuable, worthy and important.  (*From USA Today article "Skilled, savvy women can rescue our sagging economy, Gail Sheehy, Passages author 8/23/11)