Too often, women are raised to believe that it is a man’s role to provide money and a woman’s role to take care of the home and contribute financially only when necessary.
What this does is create women who may be making money and working but who seem to have a fear where money conversations are concerned and are more focused on finding a man to take care of them.
However, financial freedom and financial literacy are very important aspects for women’s freedom because access to necessities often depends on the availability of money.
Urban Woman Magazine recently spoke to women to find out their tips towards gaining financial freedom.
Read their thoughts and responses below.
Laura
While the saying “anyone who feeds you can starve you” sounds cliche, it’s one of the truest lines I’ve ever heard in my life.
The importance of having your own money as a woman can’t be overemphasized enough. In fact, it should be like the oxygen you breathe and hang onto daily until you leave this world (yes, it’s that deep) because being in that dependent situation is dehumanizing. Been there, and it’s the worst thing.
The glamorized version of being sponsored by a rich man is cute, and don’t get me wrong, spend that money, but NEVER as your primary source.
If anyone is going to give you heaven on earth without fucking you up, IT IS YOU. Secure and prioritize your bag, babes. The money and Gucci versions. And oh, everything should be in your name.
Ogochukwu
As someone who has once been in a position where I had to tolerate all kinds of disrespect because I was financially dependent on a man, I cannot stress enough how crucial it is for women to have their own money, no matter how little. No matter how wealthy your boyfriend or husband is, if that money is not in your name or your account, do not delude yourself into thinking it’s yours.
Time and again, we’ve seen how easily a man can block your access to it on a whim, and there’s nothing you can do about it.
I have friends today, wives of rich men who cannot recharge their phones or make their hair without their husband’s permission. They drive fancy cars (also bought by their husbands), but the moment he feels they’re not “submissive enough,” he takes the car keys as a form of punishment. Financial dependence can trap you in ways you may not realize until it’s too late.
Tips for financial freedom that I’ll give to women:
1. Never fully depend on a man or anyone as an adult.
If someone controls your access to food, they also control whether you starve. Get a job, no matter how unglamorous. Learn a skill. Find a way to earn your own income and maintain some level of financial autonomy.
2. Be prepared to be labeled “difficult” and be okay with that.
Society often equates a woman standing up for herself as being wild or “unvirtuous”. Don’t fall for that manipulation. Be okay with people misunderstanding you as long as you are working toward securing your future. Call their bluff and chase your dreams unapologetically.
3. Save and invest, your future self will thank you.
Financial freedom requires sacrifice. Even in today’s tough economy, try to set aside money every month for emergencies. And don’t just let your money sit idle—invest it. Whether in money markets, equities, stocks, bonds, or other safe investments, make your money work for you.
At the end of the day, financial independence isn’t just about money, it’s about freedom, dignity, and the power to make decisions for yourself.
Aliyah
I think the most important thing you can own as a woman is money, or the means.
Everyone wants to escape capitalism but our lives still largely revolve around it and we must act accordingly.
Money gives you the power to look at something and decide to engage or not because you are safe either way. It accords you a level of respect from your family and partner because they know you’re not dependent on them and can’t behave stupidly to you because you can leave. Unless you don’t want to.
If you’re serious about financial freedom, you have to know that you will make little sacrifices that will add up in the long run.
You don’t have to abandon chopping life either. I promise that you can handle everything.
Set realistic goals. And set multiple goals.
Set goals for your retirement. Investments.
Have goals for things you want.
Set goals for emergencies.
Diversity is your best friend.
Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks too. Do your research and decide on the best way for you to move forward.
Oluwademilade
I think being financially independent as a woman commands respect from people including your partner.
I grew up with a widowed mum and she’s one of the most diligent women I’ve come across. She has her money and she’s a proud woman(if I say so myself). She taught me the importance of working hard and not relying on anyone.
And concerning the situation, in 2017/2018, I was writing GCE and they put me in Ikorodu or somewhere. The tutorial center promised to get a hostel to put us in.
On arrival at Ikorodu, they put us all(both genders) in one hotel room, I’ve never been so scared in my life.
I called my mum and walked to the reception. I paid for another room where I allowed one more girl to sleep in with me due to security reasons.
Christiana
1. Having your own money makes people respect you and lets you say NO when necessary without feeling the pressure of pleasing your benefactor.
2. Keep seeking money. Read as much as you can. Scour the internet. Ask people what they do for money. You’ll be surprised that you may get a few tips in the right direction. Also, promote your work and be extremely good at whatever you do.
3. Yes, I don’t have to put up with really mean people anymore because I was dependent on them. I can afford the basics and few luxuries and I go to bed confident that I answer to no one except the good Lord and my bosses (sensible people).
P.S
I ask myself, « What would Rihanna do? » regarding money. Then I try and fail. And keep it moving.
Naomi
There is generally dignity in labor. Without the subject of gender, you are able to speak for yourself when you know that you are not “in need” of the other person. Much less a relationship where you need to do things that would not be ignoring your own needs.
In the Nigerian context, we should be able to stand for ourselves because nothing else really does. Say for example, a mother whose husband just dies, if she’s a housewife with no source of income, the immediate months after his death will be the most chaotic if not disheartening part of the death.
Everyone says learn a skill but no one really focuses on the fact that in this new age, we need to learn to sell that skill, there’s still the question of who to sell it to. Build a network. Of friends and people you genuinely like their work, then go from there.
I once had a concert to go to, I was going to go with someone who claimed to like me and wanted to host me. Soon enough, as most men do, he started making some stupid comments and was asking for sex. Because I knew I could afford it, I told him to take the room for himself and I’ll just get a hotel. Mind you, it was late. But I wasn’t bothered. I think back in pride tbh.
Angel Nduka-Nwosu is a writer, journalist and editor. She moonlights occasionally as a podcaster on As Angel Was Sayin’. Catch her on all socials @asangelwassayin.