Women need to normalize learning about and talking about money!

We're often told it's impolite to discuss money, finances or the building of wealth. I disagree.

When we aren't taught about money or brought up around money conversations, it keeps us ignorant. We will not build financial literacy, and not have the same options as someone with knowledge and resources. Some of us grew up in houses where our parents didn't know anything either, so they didn't have a skillset to teach.

I look back at my childhood and while my mom had nearly zero financial literacy (which was sadly the norm for her generation), but my dad had some knowledge. They had mortgages and credit cards, he was headhunted for better and better career opportunities, so there was a basic understanding of how money worked. Yet, they never once sat down and talked to me about the dangers of credit cards, the predatory nature of college loans, how to pay for college at all, the opportunities to build wealth through home ownership, or what investing was. 

These conversations did not exist.

My 20's and 30's were spent clueless about corporate politics, the importance of negotiation and advocating for your salary, the things that will set you up for the rest of your life. I lived paycheck to paycheck working dead end jobs and paying student loan debt that is to this day still lingering.

It wasn't until I turned 40 that I started to get angry that I didn't know what I didn't know, and there had to be a better way. I was making OK money (for where I lived) and I didn't want to be old and poor (especially in the US).

Thankfully I have access to resources that my mother and grandmother’s generation didn't have. I started seeking out podcasts that were created by and for women, teaching the basics of how money works and how to build wealth. I read books, lots of books! Most importantly, I started asking questions. I started with business savvy friends, then successful entrepreneurs I met through LinkedIn, joined Facebook groups. I wanted to gobble up all of the information on how I could ensure the second half of my life was better off financially than the first. I also wanted to be able to teach my child the things I never learned growing up. I wanted to set their success up from the get go.

There are 3 books that stood out and I feel are essential for women who are new to learning about money.

Financial Feminist by Tori Dunlap

In addition to teaching the basics of money management, Tori also discusses why so many women feel stuck when it comes to finances in the first place. She mixes practical steps like budgeting, paying off debt, and starting to invest with honest conversations about the cultural baggage around money. It reads as part guide, part pep talk, and leaves you feeling more confident and with a plan. 

*It makes a great book club pick because the mix of personal stories and real-life strategies can encourage honest conversations about how money shows up in our own lives.

Rich AF by Vivian Tu

Vivian has a way of making money feel way less intimidating and even kind of fun. She explains investing, saving, and spending in plain language and isn’t afraid to discuss money myths that keep us down. Reading it feels like sitting down with a super-smart friend who tells you exactly what you need to know without making it boring. 

*This one works well in a group because everyone walks away with simple, actionable takeaways you can compare and build on together. (The audio book is fantastic and her bubbly personality really comes through)

Get Good With Money by Tiffany Aliche

Tiffany lays out a very practical 10-step framework to get your financial life in order. She is easy to follow, starting with the basics like savings and credit before moving into bigger picture goals. It’s the kind of book that makes you feel like financial understanding is possible, no matter where you’re starting. 

*For a book club, it’s an easy one to dig into step by step, with plenty of chances to share progress and ideas as a group.

If you are feeling like you don't know what you don't know about not just finances, but running a business, or getting your mindset in the right place, one solution is to join a bookclub. I started the She Reads She Leads Book Club for women to learn and grow through not only reading, but community as well.