Wise Money Advice From Women Over 50

Posted 27 days ago by Alden Wicker

Today is the 100^th anniversary of International Women’s Day, with celebrations taking place around the world. Debuting in 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, the global day celebrates the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. In some places like China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria, International Women’s Day is a national holiday (hint, hint, United States).

How far have women come in the U.S. since the early 1900s?

• In 1900, 19% of working-age women participated in the workforce. In 1950, it was 34%. Today that number is 60%.
• In 1900, women earned 54% of what men earn. In 1950, women earned 60%. Today that number is 77%.

One message rings loud and clear to us: Financial literacy is not just an option, it’s a privilege and an obligation to ourselves as women, given how far we have come. We have financial options and opportunities our mothers and grandmothers didn’t have. Let’s make the most of them!

We decided to celebrate International Women’s Day by asking women over 50: What would you tell your 20-year-old self about money if you had the chance? The answers were inspiring, humbling, poignant, and above all – wise. They ran the gamut from the importance of savings and retirement to understanding needs vs. wants, but one common theme emerged: not depending on a man to be financially secure.