Finance is complicated until we make it simple. Let’s give it a try, one step at a time. Are you ready?
Alright, straight up, this is not another advertising rant that ‘promises’ to get women the right ‘upliftment’ they need when International Women’s Day is around. This is neither a male-bashing post that tries to repudiate the very existence of the male species. Yes, it is true that the greatest revelation for the majority of men belonging to the 21st century has been the fact that women are their equal counterparts. In fact, men have learnt more about women in the last decade than they have learnt in their entire life. But, we shall steer clear of these done-to-death conversations and instead, talk about things that matter. Things as relevant and as pertinent as finance.
Additional Reading: A Financial Planning Guide For Women
Historically, the control over finances has always rested with men. Throughout the 20th century, women across most households had ‘secondary’ jobs. The primary bread-earners were always men. Kids would grow up watching their father as the man of means and their mother as the woman of disputable resources. Women would get their occasional allowances but seldom would they have any say over how finances should be handled. And, it carried on like a tradition of sorts until the turn of the century.
The modern woman is independent and free but she’s still fighting discrimination every moment of her life. A mere glance at statistics puts a lot of things in perspective. Consider this data from a government report – ‘In urban areas, a woman with a graduate degree gets paid Rs 690.68 per day in the transport and storage sector while a man gets 30% more at Rs 902.45. In agriculture, an illiterate woman worker in rural India receives Rs 88.2 per day while an illiterate man receives Rs 128.52, which is 45% more.’ And when you think of it, the gender pay gap is just one of the million things that are wrong with the world today.
Additional Reading: 4 Ways Women Can Manage Their Finances Independently
So what’s the way ahead?
Perhaps we can take a cue from women leaders across the globe who emphasise on creating a world that we envision for ourselves. However big the idea sounds, it all begins with the first resolute step. If you find finance to be intimidating, then tackle it head on, as you have done for so many other things in life. Begin with the basics and build on from there.
Take off the cryptic glasses with which you look at finance. Bring in a dash of fun and jazz it up if you want to. Finance need not be all about boring Insurance policies and investment funds. It can also be the occasional splurges, the weekend parties, and the solo trips.
Additional Reading: Are There Credit Cards Specifically Designed For Women?
If you are looking for a spoonful of magic to get started with, here are 3 Credit Cards you can look at.
IndusInd Bank Platinum Aura Edge Credit Card
Designed for those who love to shop, you can consider this Credit Card if you have never used one before. You will love the rewards and other perks that come with it.
- 4 points/100 spent on shopping
- 2 points/100 spent on purchasing consumer durables
- 1.5 points/100 spent on dining & books
Additionally, get Rs 2,000 Amazon Voucher upon approval. Apply Now!
Kotak PVR Gold Credit Card
This one is designed for the die-hard movie buffs. If your idea of a Sunday outing is watching your favourite star on the big screen, give yourself a big pat on the back and make space in your purse for this little gem.
- Get 1 PVR cinema ticket every month when you spend Rs. 10,000/- and above in a monthly billing cycle
- Get 2 free PVR movie tickets every month when you spend Rs. 15,000/- and above in a monthly billing cycle
- Book tickets any day and for any show across all PVR cinemas
Additionally, get Rs 2,000 Amazon Voucher upon approval. Apply Now!
HSBC Smart Value Card
If you are the kind that loves to spend little and save more, get this card for the occasional purchases that you just cannot avoid. Wondering why?
- Interest rate of 10.99% p.a on EMI products for the first 90 days
- 10% cashback on all spends for the first 60 days.
There is a world of opportunities out there. So, step right in and grab your share.
Additionally, get Rs 2,000 Amazon Voucher upon approval. Apply Now!