WSVN — Many women will admit whether it’s investing or taxes or just making ends meet, they don’t know much about money. In tonight’s Dollars and Sense, Lynn Martinez introduces us to one group who’s making it their mission to show women how to invest in their own financial freedom.
In many families men handle the money, but one South Florida group says it’s time to change that. Their name says it all.
Alexia Gonzalez: “‘My Man is Not My Plan’ sounded so sassy. Some people see it as in your face.”
Alexia Gonzalez founded the group because she feels women are at a financial disadvantage and many don’t even realize it.
Alexia Gonzalez: “We make less than a man and then you also compound the fact that we live longer than men and the divorce rate is roughly 50 percent. It puts a lot of pressure for women.”
She and other women at the top of their professions have set out to teach women, young and old, single or married, how to handle every financial situation.
Caridad Vasallo: “When they’re transitioning from college to work life, when they’re going through a divorce, when a spouse has passed away and how that can impact you.”
The group offers meetings and seminars to discuss everything from college planning to debt management, even divorce prep. They also cover topics like tax planning and wills and trusts.
The main goal is to help each woman through her own situation.
Leanne Borza: “I was put back into the workforce with a 1-year-old daughter and no guidance.”
Mariana Godinez: “Me, as a business woman, I want to grow in the business area.”
The group not only creates a support system and a unique networking opportunity, but is also teaching women to take charge.
Sandy Skaelaney: “We are conditioned from a very young age to value our relationships to men probably more highly than our own career or our own independent successes.”
The most important thing the group strives for is for women to know their finances.
Alexia Gonzalez: “How do you set the right plan in place so no matter what transition, you know what life happens, you can also react to it.”
And they are looking to keep pushing that philosophy until every woman has access to the help they need.
Caridad Vasallo: “Right now it’s just grown by word of mouth, but I see it going national eventually.”
Alexia Gonzalez: “I really do think the sky is the limit for My Man Is Not My Plan and I’m not going to put a limitation to it.”
The next meeting for “My Man Is Not My Plan” is being held this Thursday, Oct. 23. You have to sign up and register.
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