90% of women will be sole keepers of their personal finances at some point in their life.
Women spend on average 11.5 years out of the work force, compared to 1.3 years for men.
Two-thirds of women over 65 rely on Social Security as their primary source of retirement income.
Women still earn, on average, 77% of what men earn.
Author, speaker and financial literacy expert Manisha Thakor appeared at the 2007 Smart Women Smart Money conference in Collinsville. Here’s what she has to say about women and money management.
While personal finance is important for both genders, it is extra important for us ladies. Statistically speaking we earn less, live longer, and spend more time out of the workforce caring for family than men. As a result, 2/3rds of women over the age of 65 today rely upon meager social security payments as their primary source of income. I focus on women because I want to change these gut-wrenching statistics. More personally, I grew up a nerdy, book-loving girl in a mid-western town where cheerleaders ruled. Lacking the prom queen gene, I learned early on that "a man is not a financial plan" and to rely upon myself. Thankfully, my wonderful parents gave me the ultimate gift - that of financial literacy. As a result, a whole world of choices opened up for me, and I've gone on to have both a wonderful personal and professional life. I now want to pay that gift forward and help women own their finances and own their lives. Read more at www.manishathakor.com.
Employ Illinois gives business owners access to capital to start or enhance their businesses with the help of low- interest rate loans.
Opportunity Illinois backs low-interest loans to consumers and community development agencies to improve the quality of life in Illinois.
Cultivate Illinois helps farmers offset the rising cost of farming and encourages green business development.
Money Market Fund allows local government entities to pool their investments to gain a higher rate of return for their residents.
Online bill paying gives people with busy schedules a quick and convenient way to pay government bills and fees.
