A subject that is very important to me is the matter of women educating themselves about financial empowerment. Not in the women’s liberation sense, but more of a matter of being responsible about your choices. It seems as though the stereotypical expectations are that women may or may not go to college, possibly establish a career, get married and live largely dependent on their husband while raising kids and enjoying a somewhat “easy” lifestyle. Going between committee meetings, appointments with stylists and personal shoppers, and having the nanny or housekeeper do the heavy lifting does sound pretty pleasant. But the question that always leaves these women stumped is: What will you do if you husband’s income disappears from your life? Whether it be by death, divorce, or job-loss, many women are unprepared to face this possibility. And it’s not just a shot in the dark. The statistical rates for divorce are well-known and also the mortality rate differences between men and women. We are also keenly aware of the economic situation that is going on which greatly affects our job market.

So this is why I was excited about a presentation put on by a financial services company called Primerica. (more…)