Dollar bills give me freedom

On my drive to work I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts – Skimm’D from the Couch. Two recent speakers, Hope Taiz, CEO and Managing Partner of ELY Capital and Gregg Renfrew, Founder and CEO of Beautycounter both emphasized how important it is for women to have financial independence.

“I want you to be able to stand on your own two feet, build your own foundation, have confidence in your own abilities…” Gregg’s mom advised her. Hope Taitz’s first job was managing a concession stand at her local Tennis club and this job gave her financial autonomy. It job enabled her to not only learn about running a business but also gave her financial freedom to decide how to spend the money she earned or to save it.

I first started working my senior year of high school as a Kumon instructor. Since then I’ve always had a job. During undergrad I worked at the front desk of my freshman year dorm and then in the Math department as an HR assistant (fancy title I just gave myself!!!). I was the best organizer and shredder in the math department. If you need someone to shred papers, I’m your gal. But this time I will charge you. Financial autonomy and all. I didn’t earn big bucks but what I did earn I pocked myself.

While my undergrad jobs did not enable me to support myself or pay all my college fees, they enabled me to pay for my food and my train rides to Jersey. I never had to borrow money from my parents to pay for the “extras.” If I wanted to go out to dinner with my friends, I could. If I wanted to visit my friends in another city, I could. If I wanted to buy a cute outfit, I had the dollar bills.

Since undergrad I have been lucky to work in Corporate Finance and Marketing. These jobs have allowed me to support myself and not be dependent on my parents or spouse. Additionally, being financially independent has given me confidence, made me a more responsible person since I have to manage my own money — pay rent, bills, loans, save, and also treat myself 🙂

I wholeheartedly believe that women need to be financially autonomous. Earning your own money gives you more control of your life and the freedom to make your own choices. It empowers women to stand on their own two feet. I cannot fathom the thought of asking my parents or spouse for money on a continual basis. I understand that as a family you pool your money together but being a contributor to that pool is very important to me.

In order to be financially independent you have to work or be lucky enough to have family money. Since I don’t have the latter, I earn my dollar bills by working in Marketing. I also think its important in this unstable job market to be financially autonomous. You never know when your spouse loses their job and if this situation every arises, its especially important for women to have the ability and the confidence to support the family and themselves. In a way I am advocating for women to work for themselves or others but this is only way I know how someone can be financially autonomous. If you know another way do let me know!

As a financially independent woman I am now going to enjoy an evening out with my friends. Margarita and tacos it is!