Back to All ArticlesWhat I Wish I Knew at 30……Wisdom (Financial and Other) for my Daughter on International Women’s Day
- Women
- Quantum Stories
Annual days of recognition such as International Women’s Day serve as a bridge between the past and the present. This day provides us with the time and space to celebrate, honor and learn from the strong and the victimized women of the past. Although often forgotten, it is the victimized women whose bad luck and/or uniformed decisions which put them into vulnerable situations. The experiences of these women provide all of us with many valuable learning opportunities.
This day also provides us with a stage to highlight women who are succeeding in the present. To do this we must ask a critical question “How do you define success?” Here are some suggestions:
- Success is feeling pride when you look in the mirror. Not from your appearance, per se but from your actions and the way you represent yourself.
- Success is knowing that you are improving the world in small but significant ways…. even if it is one baby step at a time.
- Success is creating a legacy…. if I leave the earth tomorrow, how will I be remembered? Am I proud of that?
As we age, we become wiser. Some of this wisdom must be independently learned while some can be shared with those younger and more innocent than we are.
This year my only daughter gave birth to her first child, a son. As we celebrate this miraculous family addition, I feel even more protective of her. As she raises a young man, the way she treats herself will demonstrate her self-worth to her husband as well as to her growing son.
To my daughter, daughters-in-law and every young woman who endlessly juggles her time, of which we never have quite enough, here is a list of priorities I wish I had focused on in my 30’s:
- Know ALL the financial details of your life… Do not sweep this under the rug. It is the anchor to your boat in stormy weather.
- If you are in a long-term relationship, know how your quality of life would be impacted if you became single. Life is never “Plan A”. Make sure you are ready for any unexpected road closures.
- Financial stability instills confidence and freedom…it will open more doors than any educational degree. Save, Save, Save and make sure that your money is working for you. Consider hiring a professional for your financial planning just as you would to clean your home or change the oil in your car.
- Stop pleasing everyone…this is one of women’s greatest flaws. You will earn respect by being honest, trustworthy and transparent, NOT simply by making people “happy.” Success and kindness can coexist… you will be more successful when they do.
- Let go of the pressure to be perfect. Do the best you can and find pride in your ability to remain standing.
- Let go of toxic coworkers. You will work for and with many jerks in your life…. they are not a reflection of you. They have their own baggage…it is not about you. Do not compromise your values.
Hopefully, the young women reading this can find time in their busy lives to gradually tackle some, or all, of these items. I deeply believe that it is the responsibility of all women to lift each other up and support one another.
I leave you with a wonderful quote from Louisa May Alcott’s 1868 book Little Women: "I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship."
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- Women
- Quantum Stories
Beth Greulich, CDFA, CFP®
Beth Greulich is the Chief People Officer of Quantum Financial Advisors, LLC. Beth is also a Financial Advisor directly to clients and a founding partner of the firm.
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