Importance of financial planning for women

Today's women are independent and want to take their own decisions, financial or otherwise

Independence in decision making is directly related to financial independence which can only be achieved by financial planning. Financial freedom and ownership of one’s resources is priceless and goes far beyond the monetary value it presents.

Managing your money is a prerequisite for financial comfort. Irrespective of the economic strata, every woman should have means to support herself. Each woman has to learn and make an effort to go beyond routine working and embark on the journey of updating herself on the options available for securing future.

Why there is a gap?
Two decades ago, women were contented and comfortable being dependent on others for taking financial decisions on their behalf and would manage spends basis what was advised.

In our society, women are culturally encouraged to share their income with their family, spend on children, parents. But when it comes to their own retirement, health and future planning they tend to leave it to chance.

The reason for this is not lack of education but lack of confidence. Women who are not part of the financial sector perceive financial calculations and terminologies complex which keeps them away from planning. What is surprising is that even in working women only 23% odd take financial planning decisions themselves.

It is the woman of the house who keeps fretting about the financial stability of the family. Being considered second line of intelligent person in home and is delegated only to carry out the financial decisions taken by the spouse or elders. Historically speaking, men are associated more with financial sector and are considered to have aggressive approach towards money and investment. In today’s time, it becomes imperative that women change their identity and take stand in financial matters. 
 
The beginning
In order to become a good financial planner for self and family, a woman is required to step out of a self created safety zone and not be averse in taking calculated financial risks. It is important to understand the lifecycle needs and plan accordingly.

Today’s woman is independent and wants to take her own decisions, financial or otherwise primarily because her needs differ from men. This is largely due to factors such as differences in earning patterns, health priorities, security, maternity breaks, etc. which are very specific to women.

Working women have a little different career life than men. They are very progressive in early years of the career post which they are surrounded with family responsibilities because of which there is a dip and then they pick up again. It is in contrast to men’s career life which remains smooth and unaffected. Working women specially know how important it is to be with their child post the maternity leave period. But day to day monetary obligations prevent a mother from taking extended leave. This all indicates the importance of taking control of the financial situation for working women.

Money matters and planning at times may appear very complicated but if we approach it in four simple steps it will get demystified :
  Quantifying the goal to be achieved
  Defining the risk appetite
  Agreeing on the timeframe and when you want the maturity
  Aligning the financial plan and asset classes accordingly .

Today, most young working women have a gap of four to five years between the period they start their career and decide to have kids; therefore, they have an opportunity to invest in a good, short term financial plan such as fixed deposit to address this issue. A good health plan along with critical illness riders is also a good option for women.

Security for women is important, however, women normally do not build real estate assets in their own name which can secure them from any family disputes. Today taking home loan from a bank /NBFC is not difficult for a working woman provided she thinks of buying a house in her name for a secured financial future.

Financial stability would also ensure greater proactive acceptance within the family. A woman may want to look after her own elderly parents. A life insurance endowment /moneyback plan can help in planning timely cashflows to meet this need of providing support to elderly parents.

Life expectancy for a woman is five to six years more than that of men. Proper planning is important so that she can take care of her needs post her retirement or incase of spouse’s demise. A retirement plan /annuity plan should be considered, which will give financial independence and absolve her from being dependent on children for financial need.

In today’s world, where women are surpassing men in most fields, effective and proactive financial planning should not be an exception. It is only the lack of awareness and importance which is restraining us and hence we have to bridge the gaps to acquire greater financial independence.

(The writer is Director - Sales Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance Company)