Written by: Melissa Sheridan McNabb, Guest Writer
Like many women, I didn’t know how much I didn’t know about money until life happened in a way that made me realise. This is what I call forced change. These are events that happen beyond our control and unexpectedly. These types of changes are the number one reason why women need to learn how to be financially independent.
That change for me was the breakdown and ending of my first marriage. Back then I was a 26yr old single mum of two, I hadn’t worked in 5yrs, I was provided for like I was shown growing up.
I grew up in the country where traditional family roles were normal, the men worked, the women cared for everything and everyone at home. Choosing the right partner that was a good provider was the only financial learning I had so when I was suddenly in my 20’s and left to figure it out I had no idea where to start.
I started my own massage business and started going to business networking events where I learned a lot from older mentors. The one piece of advice that stuck with me was never rely on one source of income.
I didn’t know how to budget, I didn’t understand or know how many different types of income there were, I didn’t know how to manage money or invest money.
Over the last 20 years, I have learned a lot and still have more to learn however three books that have been essential to my money education are these. I found them all easy to understand and even though some content is region specific, the principals are universal.
Money, Master the Game by Tony Robbins.
Abundance Now by Lisa Nichols
The Barefoot Investor by Scott Pape
Even if you are more than happy to be provided for, it’s essential for women to know about money and teach your daughters about it. Learn how to make it, manage it and invest it. You never know when life will happen in a way where you need to start over and on your own two feet.
It takes courage to step away from the traditional pattern’s women have been born into and as a coach, smashing those paradigms is where I shine.
To keep up to date with what programs I have on offer and connect with me, follow my socials and check out my website. For more info follow me on Facebook and visit my website!
Melissa Sheridan McNabb, Brainz Magazine Guest Writer
Melissa is a woman on a mission to disrupt paradigms and stereotypes passed down to women by generations of society. As the founder of Courageous Coaching and a coaching style that is holistic, drawing on all her 26 years of knowledge, skills and experience, Melissa is passionate about empowering women and helping them re-discover themselves, especially after major life changes. Personal transformation is her speciality.
Melissa is also the founder of online support group, Self Harm Parents, with a mission to connect parents navigating the tumultuous journey of self-harm with their children, with professionals and resources to make a positive impact on families.
