All talk of equality aside, men and women do tend to see finances and life differently. Women also have different financial needs. Women who decide to have children, for example, are far more likely to be primary supporters for those children throughout their lives. Traditionally, divorce is tougher financially on women than men. As well, women statistically live longer and therefore need to save more for retirement. Here’s what women need to do differently:

Put yourself first. Women tend to be caregivers and as such they sometimes put other people’s needs first. However, even a woman with a husband and family should put money aside for herself first. A woman should always have a separate account which is hers alone and which has a healthy sum in it.

Don’t assume. Some women assume that they will always have a partner, will keep the house in a divorce, will manage “somehow.” It’s important to plan, not assume. Women are more likely than men to have to live for some years as widowed spouses and therefore have to support themselves on their own. Plan your financial independence.

Pay down credit card debt. Credit cards are sometimes used for retail therapy, but it’s important to pay down your debts. That credit card interest is eating up too much of your paycheck, and that may make payday loans and other signature loans tempting. If you are very far into debt, consider debt consolidation. But do what you need to in order to take care of that debt.

Take care of advertising. Advertisers often target women, trying to convince them that they are not happy without that new designer product. Do what you need to do to stop buying into this advertising game or you’ll waste your time and money chasing gadgets and fashions that change each season anyway.

Invest in yourself. Women should invest in themselves by taking courses, going back to school, learning a new skill or starting a side hustle. This will increase their earning potential and financial stability in the long run.

Plan for retirement. Women should plan for retirement and start saving early. Women generally live longer than men, which means they need more money for retirement. It’s important to start saving as early as possible and to contribute as much as possible to retirement accounts.

Seek financial advice. Women should seek financial advice from professionals, such as financial planners or accountants. They can provide guidance on budgeting, investing, and retirement planning.

Negotiate for higher pay. Women should negotiate for higher pay and not be afraid to ask for what they are worth. Women often earn less than men for doing the same job, so it’s important to advocate for themselves and negotiate for fair pay.

Protect your assets. Women should protect their assets by having insurance policies, such as life insurance and disability insurance. They should also have an estate plan in place to ensure that their assets are distributed according to their wishes.

Stay informed. Women should stay informed about financial news and developments, as well as changes to tax laws and regulations. This will help them make informed decisions about their finances and plan for the future.…

Debts are a drain on your energy and finances. It’s stressful to get all those bills each month and your debts are making your debtors wealthy while shrinking your own paycheck. Luckily, you can fight back. Here’s how:

1. Focus on wants, not needs. Think basic food, shelter, and health care. Paying rent is important – buying the latest gadget is not. Your power bill is vital but a new subscription to that magazine is not. Learn to tell the difference.

2. Tighten spending – and make it fun. Make saving a game. Try to find creative ways to save cash. Plenty of people find it kind of fun to find cheap or free ways to get things done while watching savings pile up.

3. Create an Emergency Fund. If you have lots of student loans, personal loans, credit card balances and other debts, you might be tempted to funnel all your extra cash into repaying your debts. Don’t. If you run into an emergency and don’t have an emergency fund, you’ll need to borrow more, digging you in deeper. An emergency fund helps you break the borrowing habit.

4. Carry cash. Leave your credit cards at home when you head out. Pay cash for everything, because when it’s gone you can’t spend more than you have.

5. Increase your mortgage payments. Double your mortgage payments or use bonuses and tax returns to cut down the time it will take for you to repay your home.

6. Negotiate with your creditors. If you’re struggling to pay your bills, talk to your creditors. They might be willing to reduce your interest rate, waive fees, or even settle for less than what you owe. But you won’t know unless you ask.

7. Consider consolidation. If you have multiple debts with high interest rates, consolidating them into one loan with a lower interest rate could save you money in the long run. Just be sure to read the fine print and understand the fees associated with the loan.

8. Find ways to increase your income. Look for ways to earn extra money, whether it’s taking on a side gig, selling unused items, or negotiating a raise at work. Every little bit helps when it comes to paying off debt.

9. Stay motivated. Paying off debt can be a long and difficult journey, but it’s worth it in the end. Keep reminding yourself of your goals and celebrate small victories along the way.

10. Seek professional help if needed. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or don’t know where to start, consider seeking help from a financial advisor, credit counselor, or debt settlement company. They can provide guidance and support as you work towards becoming debt-free.…