Money Doesn’t Care About Gender, But Life Does

Practical Financial Empowerment for Women

As the co-author of HowMoneyWorks for Women and a certified financial educator, I’ve spent years helping people take control of their finances, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: money itself doesn’t care who you are. A dollar doesn’t have preferences, and financial systems operate the same, regardless of gender. But here’s the hard truth—life tends to deal women a unique set of cards, and those cards make it essential for us to approach money differently.

From pay gaps to longer lifespans to societal expectations, our financial journeys come with their own challenges. These are not just statistics to me; they are struggles I’ve seen firsthand—with friends, clients, and even in my own life. That’s why I’m passionate about getting women to feel confident about managing money. I want to share some practical insights to help you on your own financial path.

Why Women Need to Lead Their Financial Lives

One thing I’ll tell you right off the bat is this: taking control of your finances isn’t optional for women. Yes, money is neutral, but we face hurdles that make financial literacy critical. I’ve seen these realities up close in the women I work with.

What happens when women don’t take charge of their financial lives? They fall behind. Whether it’s retirement savings, emergency funds, or just the confidence to make smart money decisions, the gaps become glaring. But don’t worry if that sounds like you right now. What matters is that you’re ready to start.

For me, that sense of urgency comes from seeing too many women wait until a crisis forces them to figure out their financial situation. My mission is to change that narrative—to help women feel empowered well before they face those moments.

Why Don’t We Talk About Money?

Have you noticed how money usually feels like a taboo topic? It’s not something we openly talk about with friends, family, or even our partners sometimes. I’ve been there. I grew up believing it wasn’t polite to talk about income or spending. But here’s the thing I’ve learned over the years—that silence hurts us.

Talking about money is how you learn, grow, and get stronger. I always encourage women to have those conversations. Sit down with your partner, your parents, your friends, or even a financial advisor. I can promise you this: the moment you talk about money, it stops feeling scary. It becomes something you can face head-on. I know this from personal experience and from the women I’ve worked with who felt a shift simply by breaking the silence.

The Power of Knowing Your Numbers

Here’s a tip I share with nearly everyone I work with, and it’s honestly life-changing once you start doing it. Know your numbers. No more guessing or assuming. I mean really understand what’s happening with your money.

What does that look like? For me, it means keeping track of five key areas. You should know:

• How much money is coming in. This could be your paycheck, freelance work, or passive income streams. Every dollar counts.
• How much is going out. Start paying attention to where your money goes each month. Bills, groceries, subscriptions, shopping, coffee runs... all of it.
• What you owe. Make a list of all your debts, from credit cards to student loans.
• What insurance you have. This is one people often overlook. Check what’s actually covered under your policies so there are no surprises later.
• What you’ll need for the future. Whether it’s saving for retirement, buying a home, or your child’s education, start mapping out these goals.

When I started tracking my own numbers more closely, it was such a game changer. You can’t make good decisions without information, and this is where it all begins.

Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck

Here’s a stat that keeps me up at night sometimes: 75% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. That’s an overwhelming number of people who are just getting by, with little thought about their future.

A lot of the women I meet say, “Kim, I can barely get through this week. How am I supposed to save for retirement?” I get it. I’ve been there, too. But here’s what I tell them—it’s about taking small, intentional steps. Fixing your financial situation doesn’t mean you have to dart to the finish line overnight. It might just mean taking a baby step forward today.

Start by thinking about what’s most important to you in the future. Maybe it’s retirement. Maybe it’s saving for a big vacation or getting rid of debt. Whatever it is, lay it out and start working backward. You don’t have to do it perfectly. You just have to start.

Trimming Expenses That Don’t Serve You

One simple but powerful thing you can do right now? Go through your expenses and cut out anything that’s not adding value to your life. I call it “trimming the fat.” Truthfully, I had to do this myself not long ago. After the pandemic, I realized I still had subscriptions for three different streaming platforms I no longer used.

It doesn’t seem like much at first, but those little things add up fast. A $10 subscription here and a $30 membership there can mean hundreds of dollars every year you could redirect toward savings or debt. Sit down with your account statement and ask yourself, “Do I still need this?”

Building Wealth Through Community

One of the things I’ve always tried to do is create safe spaces where women can talk openly about money. A while back, I hosted a brunch called “Health and Wealth for Women,” and it was incredible to see how quickly connections formed.

Women thrive in community. There’s something inspiring about being in a room with people who understand what you’re going through. At that event, we didn’t just bond; we educated each other and shared actionable advice. That kind of environment is one of the most powerful tools for financial growth.

Inflation and the Need for Smarter Money Choices

I won’t sugarcoat it. Inflation is making things tougher for all of us. Groceries cost more. Gas costs more. Everything feels like it’s inching beyond reach. That’s why financial education is so important right now.

When you understand money, you can maximize what you have—even in tough economic times. I’ve seen women turn their finances around simply by being more strategic about spending, saving, and planning. It doesn’t happen overnight, but it is possible.

My Takeaways for Women

I hope some of what I’ve shared here resonates with you. My message is simple but comes from years of working with women and walking my own financial path. These four actions can transform your relationship with money:

1. Talk about money. Seriously, just start the conversation—even if it feels uncomfortable.
2. Know your numbers. Information is power.
3. Cut back on things that don’t serve you. Free yourself from unnecessary spending to redirect funds toward what really matters.
4. Plan for the future. No matter how overwhelmed you feel in the short term, think about where you want to be.

Money doesn’t have to be overwhelming or intimidating. I always tell women, “You are capable of this.” I believe it down to my core because I’ve seen it happen over and over again. You just need the right tools, mindset, and a willingness to take the first step.

It’s Time to Take Charge

If you’ve read this far, it means you’re ready to make a change. And that’s amazing! Financial empowerment starts with small decisions that build over time. Whether it’s cutting an unnecessary subscription, opening a savings account, or reaching out for expert advice, what matters most is that you start.

If you’re ready to learn more, consider reading HowMoneyWorks for Women. It’s packed with insights and practical tips to guide you toward financial independence.

Remember, money might not care about who you are, but your financial future absolutely does. Take control of it. The best time to start is now.

— Kim Scouller