Budgeting For Women

Scott,

I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated your column last week, where you replied to Roseanna, a domestic violence survivor, and provided some really sound advice on how to escape her abusive and controlling partner while still remaining financially safe. I work in the family violence sector and almost every woman I have worked with has a story of an abusive partner incurring huge debts in her name, without her knowledge or consent. And many women, through coercive control, are not able to work and therefore have no access to money, employment, stability or super. So to see some really practical steps written in an empathetic way is heartwarming.

Kate

Hey Kate,

Thanks for the kind words.

Before I began working as a financial counsellor, I often wondered to myself “Why don’t these women just up and leave?”

Then I saw first hand how many women — and their kids — get financially trapped in these dangerous situations.
Helping them find a way out financially is one of the most important things we can do for them — and the effects can last for generations.
That’s what financial counsellors do, and the long-term economic benefits (over generations) make it an incredibly important and wise investment for the Government.

Speaking of which, here’s something interesting:

Right now financial counsellors are sweating on the upcoming federal Budget to finally unveil a sustainable industry funding model to keep us doing this important work. We’re told this budget will have a strong focus on women … so it should be a done deal, right?

Next week is Mother’s Day, so if you have a story about a Barefoot Mum please email me at scott@barefootinvestor.com and I’ll do my best to celebrate them!

Scott.