In the first of our blog series featuring members of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas’s Finance Club, we spoke with Caitlin Cardwell, box office manager at SaveLive and sister-in-law of Finance Club leader Megan Godfrey. Caitlin joined the Finance Club to expand her knowledge and confidence in managing her finances.
Keep reading to discover Caitlin’s insights, lessons learned and advice for other women in Arkansas who want to empower themselves financially.
What motivated you to join the Finance Club, and how has your experience been so far?
I was motivated to join the Finance Club because I knew little about finances. As a 30-year-old married woman with a child, this bothered me. So far, my experience has been excellent. I’ve really enjoyed the community this club has created and the confidence it has evoked in me.
Why do you believe financial literacy is crucial for women and girls, and how can it impact their lives?
Financial literacy is crucial for women and girls because there has been a huge shift in women in business ownership, leadership positions, women’s rights, etc. More than ever, women and girls need to understand the importance of financial literacy and independence. This knowledge can greatly impact the lives of women and girls as they harbor more independence. Knowing the ins and outs of finances will allow women and girls to gain more confidence in daily financial decisions, big and small, ultimately leading to bigger and better opportunities.
Can you describe a moment or lesson from the club that inspired you to take a specific action toward your financial goals?
A lesson from the Finance Club that inspired me was openly discussing finances with my spouse. It may seem incredibly obvious, but I’ve always been shy to do it. I have always deferred to my husband on all things finances, so understanding what questions I can ask or ‘what means what’ gave me the confidence to sit down and talk about all things finances with him. It’s a conversation we frequently have openly instead of “shyly.”
What advice would you give other women and girls in Arkansas just beginning their journey toward financial empowerment?
Ask questions. Your lack of knowledge doesn’t make you inadequate, and you shouldn’t let this hold you back from financial empowerment. SO many women are in the same position.
If you are interested in joining a finance club near you or starting your own please reach out to Maddie San Juan, [email protected]! We would love to get in touch with you.