Mom Invented

What are women's three biggest money "issues"?

First, it's having enough money to ensure their kids are educated. Next, it's how to get out of credit card debt. And finally, it's how to save for their own retirement.

These are the issues that Candace Bahr of The Women's Institute for Financial Education (WIFE) says are by far the most common among women - and also much of the reason why she founded this non-profit group nearly 18 years ago with partner, Ginita Wall.

WIFE's mission is to empower and counsel women in pursuit of financial security and independence. Why women? Because women have different fears and concerns about money than men do, explains Bahr. Our concerns typically revolve first and foremost around our children. Many of us, caring for family and home, do not bring in our own incomes. And we also face the very real prospect of outliving our spouses - or supporting ourselves in the long-term.

WIFE.org offers countless tips, articles and resources to help women take control and achieve financial independence. Chiefly among them is the organization's Money Clubs, which teach women how they can get together with girlfriends in order to get more money wise.

"I was invited to so many home parties with my girlfriends to buy things," Bahr explained. "The Money Club idea stemmed from that - why not use the power of girlfriends to do something constructive, rather than accumulate more?"

In addition to downloadable guidelines on how to start your own Money Club, WIFE.org also offers free 21- day financial makeovers to help you get out of debt or put aside money for savings. You'll get an email every day, for 21 days, with specific tips on how to reach your goal (It's free.)

And if you sign up for the organization's free monthly newsletter, you'll also receive a free "A Man is Not a Financial Plan" bumper sticker.

Tagged as: business organizations, business resources, finances, Money Club, saving money