Women, Money & Changing the Story
"Taking one step, doing one thing every day that will get you closer to your own financial dream." - Robert Kiyosaki
🌿 Women, Money & Changing the Story: A Heart-to-Heart 🌿
Alright, let’s get into it— grab your brew, get comfy, and let’s have a proper chat, friends.
Here’s a truth that doesn’t exactly feel like a warm hug: women are lagging behind men in almost every area of wellbeing. Yep, including financial wellbeing. Cue collective sigh.
It feels like a gut punch, doesn’t it? The reality is, the gap in financial wellbeing isn’t just a number or a statistic to gloss over—it’s a deeply entrenched issue that impacts women’s lives in profound and far-reaching ways. Think about it: when women are consistently earning less, saving less, and retiring with less than men, it creates a domino effect that ripples through every stage of life.
You know, I’ve always struggled to keep things short and sweet. Brevity just isn’t my gift; I’m more of a “let’s meander through the forest of thoughts and see where we end up” kind of communicator. So, with that in mind (and with your patience, I hope), let me share something that’s been sitting heavy on my heart.
Let’s talk about the gender pay gap. Yes, it’s still a thing. Still here, still stubbornly sticking around like an unwelcome guest who doesn’t get the hint. And it’s not just about what’s on the payslip, though that’s bad enough. It’s about the ripple effect—how earning less can quietly clip someone’s wings. It’s about the opportunities that quietly disappear: the dream of starting that business, the chance to go back to uni or TAFE, or even just the freedom to take a breather, to exhale, without worrying if the numbers will stretch far enough. It’s like being handed a map with whole sections missing, paths you can’t take simply because the means to walk them aren’t there.
And then, there’s the other stuff—the stuff that doesn’t show up in bank statements but still takes a toll. The invisible work. The caregiving, the housework, the emotional labour. You know, the endless list of things that somehow just get done. These roles are the backbone of families, of communities, of, well… everything. And yet, they’re often treated like they don’t count. As if they’re not “real” work. But they are. Oh, they are. They’re just not paid. And that means way too many women step out of the workforce for stretches of time, saying goodbye to career progression and super contributions in the process. It’s like planting a garden for everyone to enjoy but never getting to sit in its shade.
And then the years roll on. And retirement, which should be a time to finally rest and take in the view, becomes something else entirely. Something precarious. Women are retiring with much less super than men. And do you know what that looks like in real life? It looks like older women becoming the fastest-growing group of people experiencing homelessness in Australia. Just let that sink in for a moment. Women who’ve spent their lives working hard, holding things together, putting everyone else first, only to end up struggling—at the very point when they should be able to exhale, to bloom, to feel safe. It’s gut-wrenching, isn’t it?
And it’s not just the practical side of it, either. It’s the emotional toll. The stress of juggling everything, the anxiety of not having a safety net, the endless loop of “what ifs” that can wear down even the strongest of spirits. It’s sleepless nights, hard choices, and a quiet erosion of self-worth. It’s exhausting. It’s heartbreaking. And, to be honest, it’s just not okay.
What’s even harder to swallow is that this isn’t some random, unfortunate coincidence. It’s not about bad luck or poor planning. It’s systemic. It’s woven into the fabric of how things are set up, and it’s been allowed to linger for far, far too long. This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about lives. About futures. About dreams. And until we get to the root of it, nothing changes. The cycle just keeps going, leaving too many women behind.
But here’s the thing: I truly believe we can do better. We have to. For ourselves, for the women we love... Heck, I've got two daughters and we owe it to them - those generations coming up behind us. It starts with naming the problem, with saying, “This isn’t fair, and we won’t stand for it.” It starts with action, with pushing for change, with refusing to turn away just because the problem feels big. Because, honestly, doesn’t every storm start with just one raindrop? And doesn’t every forest grow from a single seed?
I know this has been a bit long-winded (classic me, honestly), but if you’ve made it this far, thank you. Truly. Let’s keep talking, keep pushing, and keep hoping. Because hope - real, determined, grounded hope - can be a powerful thing. And I refuse to believe we can’t make things better. Let’s demand it. For everyone.
So back to the article and the research it was based on... The stats are brutal - kind of like that poor plant in the corner you promised to water last week but totally ghosted. Studies show women feel more financial stress, lack confidence managing money, and often don’t have the resources for long-term financial stability. It’s a bit like trying to grow a garden in the middle of a drought: the odds don’t feel great.
If you want to dive into the nitty-gritty (and maybe give yourself a good reason to yell at the patriarchy), this Fortune article lays it all out. Fair warning - it’s about as uplifting as a soggy Monday morning. But here’s the thing:
🌱 We can change the story.
Yes, YOU, with the half-drunk cup of tea and a Google search history full of "how to begin investing." (Been there. Done that. Bought the mug.)
Let’s flip the script. Let’s grow something new - something that feels abundant, hopeful, and, dare I say it, powerful. Here’s where to start:
1️⃣ Get Honest About Your Money Story
Look, we all have baggage. Maybe it’s that voice in the back of your head saying, “I’m scared it will run out" and worrying "Since I'm not in my 20's any more... am I too old to make it better?" Or maybe it’s habits you picked up along the way, like avoiding your bank app like it’s a haunted house. Whatever it is, name it. Call it out. You can’t fix what you refuse to face.
2️⃣ Dream Big & Bold
What lights you up? No, seriously. What would financial freedom look like for you? A beach house? A stress-free retirement? Just being able to say yes to dinner out without silently doing the maths in your head? Set goals that make you feel something, and then map out how to get there. Tiny steps are still steps.
3️⃣ Create Your Safety Net
Start small. Automate your savings. Watch it grow, little by little, like that first sprout breaking through the soil. (And yes, I know I’ve now referenced plants twice. What can I say? Nature gets me.)
Here’s what I believe with my whole heart: women - especially professional women - deserve financial clarity, confidence, and freedom. Full stop. End of story.
But let’s be real: sometimes it feels impossible to untangle the mess on your own. And that’s exactly why I do what I do.
As a Certified Money Coach, I work with women to help them rewrite their money stories, reduce financial stress, and build lives where they finally feel in control. Not perfect lives. Not Instagram-worthy lives. Just lives that feel better.
And because it’s somehow already the end of the year (seriously, HOW?!), I’m inviting you to hit pause with me.
✨ 2024 Reflect & Rise: A Free Coaching Event ✨
Next week, I’m hosting something special. It’s free. It’s gentle. And it might just be the nudge you didn’t know you needed. Here’s the deal:
🕒 1 hour on Zoom.
🖊️ 24 reflective questions about the year that’s ending and the one waiting for you.
📓 Space to journal quietly during the session.
📥 A follow-up workbook for deeper reflection on your own time.
The theme? Unsurprisingly, it’s money goals. But really, it’s about honouring where you’ve been and planting the seeds for where you’re going.
Think of it as a little pocket of stillness—a moment to breathe, reflect, and dream about what’s next. Like sitting under a big, shady tree and just… being.
If this sounds like exactly what you need, I’d love to have you join me. It’s free. It’s judgement-free. And who knows? It might just be the start of something transformative.
Here’s to rewriting the story, together—and to a brighter, more abundant 2024. 🌻
With hope (and maybe two three six way too many metaphors), Tara 🌸
Oh, one more thing... While you’re here, be sure to snag my free workbook, Map the Gap.
It’s designed to make money goal setting a breeze - so easy and effective that it’s perfect for building into your regular routine. Even if you’re just dipping a perfectly polished toe into the world of Money Coaching, you’ll find it simple to dive in and get started. Trust me, the results will be so fabulous you’ll be amazed!
There’s nothing to lose except your fear of failure, so go ahead and grab your copy here.
