Let’s spread the wealth

Tynah Matembe shares her top tips on how to improve the financial wellbeing of women

CASHING IN: Tynah Matembe, below, says it’s time to empower the nation’s Black women by making the most of their money

FROM THE heartwarming tributes of Mother’s Day to the global recognition of International Women’s Day, March highlights women’s remarkable resilience and achievements and celebrates the essence of femininity.

This month, we honour women’s incredible strength, dignity and wisdom as we navigate through life, nurturing and enriching the world despite facing significant financial challenges, ranging from the persistent gender pay gap to career interruptions, to the need to plan for longer life expectancy.

As we continue to celebrate these achievements, this article is dedicated to empowering women to take control of their financial futures.

So, ladies, let’s take this special month as an opportunity to improve our financial wellbeing with practical, empowering tips.

Five game-changing tips to boost finances:

1. Build a strong foundation: Every penny counts, and so does consistency in managing it. Start by creating a budget that reflects your values and ambitions. It’s not just about keeping the lights on but building a safety net for whatever life throws at you. Ask, and you shall receive… ensure you are tapping into everything you are entitled to receive, including benefits, entitlements, discounts and so forth; if you are owed it, ask for it. Did you know that a whopping £19 billion in benefits goes unclaimed annually in the UK? This strategy isn’t just about meeting your immediate needs; it’s a proactive step towards building a solid financial foundation. So, let’s turn insight into action and ensure we’re building our economic future on solid ground.

2. Level up your financial knowledge: Investing in your financial education can help you manage your wealth, save more and even invest wisely. You can quickly learn about these topics through resources like the MoneyMatiX Community, which offers workshops, events and mentorship opportunities. Women looking to enhance their entrepreneurial literacy and independence can also benefit from the tailored resources available at MoneyMatiX. Seek, and you shall find… in the world of money, treasures come for those who seek them out. For instance, if you are an entrepreneur in the UK, tailored support systems and sometimes funding is available to help you thrive. Do your research on initiatives and grants that could be available to support you. You can start with resources like gov.uk and take it from there.

3. Negotiating fearlessly, lessons from Deborah: When it comes to negotiating, whether it’s for a pay rise or a critical business deal, it’s essential to stand up for what you’re worth. Let’s take a page from a powerful story of assertiveness and strategy. Knock, and the door will be opened… imagine a time when a woman’s voice on the battlefield was unheard of. Enter Deborah, a leader from history who fearlessly broke the mould. She had to convince Barak, a reluctant warrior, to lead a dangerous but necessary war. Barak had one condition: he would only go if Deborah went with him. Deborah accepted the challenge at a time when women were rarely seen in such roles, but she added a twist. She predicted victory over her formidable opponent, General Sisera, would ultimately be due to a woman. This story isn’t just about a battle; it’s a powerful lesson on challenging norms and leading with courage. So, what’s the lesson for your negotiations? Be bold and assertive. Your value is immense, and with the right strategy and confidence, you can open doors to fair pay and recognition. Like Deborah, don’t be afraid to take bold steps.

4. Harness the power of community for financial growth: Harness the collective power and wisdom of community – this is where the wow happens. The proverb “iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another” is especially true when navigating the financial landscape. Imagine the impact of surrounding yourself with like-minded peers, each bringing their unique perspective and experience. It’s not just about sharing ideas; it’s about building a support system that encourages accountability, fosters growth and serves as a source of collective wisdom. Enter MoneyMatiX’s Grow Your Money Business Retreats – a golden opportunity tailormade for women who want to grow personally and financially. More than just a chance to network, these retreats provide a platform to connect with a community dedicated to mutual growth and success. Whether you want to refine your financial strategies or find inspiration to push your boundaries, these retreats are the perfect setting to accelerate your journey. In a world that values individual effort, never underestimate the transformative power of community. Joining forces with others who share your ambition can turn your tide and propel you towards your financial goals with renewed vigour and shared joy.

5. Embrace the ant’s  wisdom: Unleashing financial growth through diversity: “Go to the ant, consider her ways, and be wise”. I just love how simple ants totally nailed the smart working gig from time immemorial, and this ancient proverb invites us to marvel at the efficiency of ants – creatures that have mastered the art of dividing tasks among different castes within their colony for efficiency. You can definitely apply this concept of division of labour to your money.

By clearly establishing the financial responsibilities you must take on and then planning how to complete them, you will optimise your resources and achieve your goals more effectively. Bringing this to life, you should be automating and utilising as much tech as you can comfortably comprehend; things like saving pots, roundup investing, standing orders, and so many other little knacks can help you organise your Money effortlessly.

Ants are also known for their exceptional communication skills with their  pheromones. It’s a skill that is equally important in our  financial lives. Clear communication about financial planning and decision-making within your family or with advisors will ensure everyone is aligned with your financial goals. Lastly, and what inspired me to use this analogy, is the role of the queen ant, whose egg-laying is the cornerstone of the colony’s sustainability. This leads me to ask: are your financial efforts laying fertile eggs? The key to lasting financial stability and growth, ie the fertile eggs, is consistent saving and investing, no matter how modest the amount.

Consider your own strategies. Are you pursuing additional sources of income? Or knuckling down on your debt?

Or diversifying your investment portfolio? Whatever you choose to pursue, just stay consistent; it will get you closer to elevating your money. I invite you to explore a world of resources and support to help you confidently navigate the economic landscape.

Whether you’re just starting out or want to deepen your financial knowledge, the MoneyMatiX platform is here to provide you with the tools and community you need

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