Women who are financially independent can not only contribute to the everyday expenses of the household, but also help to meet the family's financial goals. To feel responsible and boost morale: Financially independent people are capable of taking their own decisions and don't have to depend on anybody.
While taking up paid work may be a personal decision, it is important for women to have some monetary resources of their own to fall back on. Here’s why.
From wanting to be beautiful princesses rescued by knights in shining armour, to storming the world on their own and taking charge, women have come a long, long way.
We have big goals to achieve, huge ambitions to pursue and high career ladders to climb. And yet, there are so many women today who aren’t financially independent, and are completely reliant on a spouse or family member for their financial needs.
While this is ultimately a personal choice, a wise decision would be to ensure that you have some monetary resources to support yourself should the need arise.
Here are 5 reasons why every woman should be financially independent.
1. The power to choose
Being financially independent gives you the power to choose to live your life the way you want. There is nothing more liberating and empowering than being able to support yourself entirely on your own.
Because as much as we dispute it, at the end of the day, money is what makes the world go round. Money is power. And money lies at the root of gender roles.
2. Self-worth
Monetary worth is linked to self-worth and self-confidence. And not in a bad way. Women who have the ability to support themselves and their family also have the ability to command respect and equality in both their professional and personal relationships.
3. Life’s emergencies
We don’t know what the future holds for us, and it’s important to be prepared.
Misfortunes in life resulting from divorce, or sudden demise, unemployment or illness of a spouse can be infinitely more difficult for a women who, after years or even decades of dependency, is suddenly left to fend for herself.
Women must learn to rely on themselves. We need to start talking about money, and start taking concrete steps in our journey towards becoming financially independent.
4. Happiness
You deserve to be happy. Each one of us is entitled to happiness. Unfortunately, in today’s world, many of the things that make us happy cost money.
Maybe you want a new dress. Or a short vacation. Or even a nice haircut. Or maybe you want to donate to a social cause that you deeply care about. Why should you have to ask your spouse or parents or children every time you wanted money for these things? Wouldn’t you be much happier if you were in control?
5. Taking the pressure off your spouse
Women aren’t under societal pressure to provide for the family. We can choose not to work because it is socially acceptable for a woman to be a homemaker. But men generally don’t have that choice. They are the primary breadwinners by default, and are expected to do whatever it takes to support their families, even if it means working two or three jobs. Practically speaking, it is financially unreasonable for an entire family to depend on a single breadwinner. Not only does it put a lot of pressure on the earning member, it also puts a cloud of uncertainty over the dependent members should any crisis arise.
Whatever the reason may be, becoming financially independent is one of the best things a woman can do for herself.
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