On the first day of second grade, I met my childhood best friend on the school bus. We became inseparable. I spent summer days in her pool and went on vacations with her family. I was extremely close with her parents. Her dad was the sole breadwinner, while her mom stayed at home.  

When we were in high school, her dad was diagnosed with lung cancer. After several years of chemotherapy and hospitalizations, he eventually passed away in their family home. We were, of course, devastated. In addition to the trauma of her husband passing away, my friend’s mom was suddenly in the position of having to support herself and her two daughters. She had never worked outside the home and had never participated in managing the family finances.  

Nevertheless, she had little choice but to take a job as a server at a local restaurant, and I could see the stress of handling the finances overwhelm her. Witnessing her struggle inspired me at a young age to learn how to earn my own income and manage my own finances. As Clare Boothe Luce, author and former U.S. Ambassador, said, “A women’s best protection is a little money of her own.” 

A big part of the reason why we work to elevate women is so they have choices and control over their personal and financial future. What does that look like? For private attorneys, for example, a book of business allows one to negotiate for a higher salary or start their own practice—providing more flexibility and financial security. Whether you work supporting your family at home or out in the world, education is key. Join LC’s Parenting Committee for their October Meeting - How to Talk to Kids about Money. Knowledge is power.