Today is an International Women’s Day. It is an occasion marked by women’s groups around the world. This date is also commemorated at the United Nations and is designated in many countries as a national holiday.

This is a very special day for women who are treated with dignity, love and appreciation, but hardly carries the same value for numerous women, mostly in underdeveloped counties, who struggle to survive.

When I came across this article about a very intelligent, enthusiastic, and driven to make a difference, young lady, Rebecca Kousky, I just had to spread the word.

Hopefully I will be able to reach many others who will do the same to help Rebecca continue her mission, and reach out to the less fortunate women around the world, to help them find opportunity, happiness, freedom, and independence.

Here is a short introductory for you about Rebecca Kousky and her invaluable mission, taken from her post:

“When–after graduating with a masters in Social Work from Washington University–I had the inspiration of starting up a nonprofit organization that would provide microfinance loans to women in developing countries so they could begin or maintain art- or craft- based businesses”…

to continue with this story, please visit her site.

Women worldwide are connected through arts and crafts, which creates opportunities for them to start their own businesses and improve their own living standards, as well as the lives of other women who assist them.

If you have been searching to purchase something very special, and unique, please check out the links below, as this is your place.

Not only will you find so many beautiful items made with precision and love, you will alsomake a difference and improve the lives of many struggling women around the world.  What a beautiful thing to do on International Women’s Day.

Special Sale – (check out ALL their departments…such cute stuff for children…)

Shop Designers – (look for store locations near you)

Gift Certificate – (Best thing for someone hard to shop for)

If you do not wish to shop, but would like to help out, you may make a donation to a very good cause:

Get involved in supporting women in developing counties:

HAPPY  INTERNATIONAL  WOMEN’S  DAY!!!!!

photo credit: Ashutosh Khandha

There are

two

excellent theories

for

arguing

with women.

Neither one works.

I came across this article about women and retirement, so of course I had to read it, and then needed to vent a little.

It is still men’s world out there… women came a long way, but not far enough…yet!

I commend young ladies who value education, go on to college and become professionals, and are easily self supporting, if needed to, then also start families and continue the traditional life cycle.

It is not easy to be a woman these days, since besides having a full time professional job, she still has to be the glue that holds the family together, the organizer, the planner, the wife and mother, the cook, the chauffeur,  the teacher, and so on, and on, and on.

I know that more and more men share the household chores with their wives, but there still is the reality of the ever so famous quote “go ask Mom”, just to pass yet another responsibility to mom.

I really did not plan to talk about family life, but rather about women and finances. Even though women are very engaging in so many aspects of the daily routine, many of them are not interested enough in financial matters of the family.  Most women still feel that this is a job for their husband, and there is nothing wrong with that, until that husband is not there to carry on.

This scenario may happen sooner than any woman may dream of, since it could be spurred by various factors, such as a temporary employment assignment away from home and family, serious illness, separation or divorce, or even a premature death.

At any rate, life must go on, and the financial responsibility requires the woman’s involvement, thus one has to be ready to carry on.  Even if you think you would hire a professional to do it for you, your still should understand what is going on.  I can’t believe how many women out there are still not interested in knowing how to balance a checkbook, how to pay bills, who is their insurance carrier or investment broker, plus so many other things of this nature.

To prevent unnecessary stress and disaster, women should be equally involved with their husbands in financial planning and decision making process throughout their life, just to be ready in time of need.

I was always told that “it is good to know everything, but not always good to do everything”, and this could not be more true about finances and decision making.  Not that I totally practice what I preach, but I am trying to know and do as much as I am able to, so if life draws me a short straw, I am not stuck in such a situation.

There are so many websites on this topic, community colleges are always offering non–credit courses on various money matters, and what better way to learn than by sitting down with your husband while he is involved with this task on regular basis, and offer your assistance, thus learn by doing.

If you still are not convinced that you should get involved, please click on the highlighted words, to expand your knowledge on the subject of money and finances for women, and let me know if you found these posts helpful and encouraging.

Also, tell us that you decided to get more involved in your family’s finances and financial planning.

The same suggestion goes to the husbands, to encourage their wives to be involved in family financial management, rather than being distanced from it.

Top Ten Things Only Women Understand

10. Cats’ facial expressions.

9. The need for the same style of shoes in different colours.

8. Why bean sprouts aren’t just weeds.

7. Fat clothes.

6. Taking a car trip without trying to beat your best time.

5. The difference between beige, ecru, cream, off-white, and eggshell.

4. Cutting your hair to make it grow.

3. Eyelash curlers.

2. The inaccuracy of every bathroom scale ever made.

AND, the Number One thing only women understand:

1. OTHER WOMEN