Women and Financial goals - Is there a need for a separate approach?

It was an awesome opportunity to attend and hear from the experts and share my thoughts around "Women and Financial goals - Is there a need for a separate approach" at the event organised by CFA Society India, Bangalore Chapter. While prepping for this talk, it took me down memory lane; 26 years ago, when I got my first salary and the conversations that I had with my parents about spending and saving. Really glad to have had those conversations which have made investing a habit from my very first month of earning. Investing not the money that remained after spending, but having a definite goal in mind and saving upfront and then finding a way to ensure the spends are limited to what remained! These investments have not only helped us see through major personal projects, but also has ensured that our peace of mind has not been disturbed during any unplanned exigencies.

I also spoke about some real stories of women who have not made investing a habit, and how life has thrown a spanner in their routine and the struggles they have today. These are educated women, in really cushy jobs paying them extremely handsome salaries but with no savings in their hand when faced with a life situations like divorce etc. when they suddenly need to think about their and their family's future.

There are also stories of women who have been able to manage their career break effectively without having to financially depend on their husbands or fathers, thus feeling proud of themselves and not having to regret the career break that they have taken. The money saved when they were working helped them spend it to reskill themselves and some have even been able to start their own venture with that financial backing.

I really urge the women to start thinking of investing early on in life. Both investments in terms of money, and investments in terms of learning. Both these investments will see them in good stead as time goes by!