Happy International Women's Day

This is a little late, but I thought that I would post it anyway. This is an article that I received from Benjamin Bankes. Benjamin Banks is a program that helps you become financially fit. Below is the article from Monday, March 8th.

Today is International Women's Day, an annual celebration that highlights economic, political and social achievements of women. 2009 marked the first year that half of all the U.S. workers are women. Nearly four in ten mothers are primary breadwinners and bring home a majority of the family's income. Additionally, women are more likely than men to graduate from college, although they still typically earn less than men.

Women are also more likely than men to care for children or elderly or disabled family members. These periods of caretaking can provide gaps in a woman's career which can have a huge impact on the amount of retirement funds collected over time. A 2008 report showed that elderly women over 75 are far more likely to be poor than elderly men.

It's important for all women to think about their future and retirement. There are ways to begin now, such as investing in a tax-deferred retirement savings plan at work. These plans can help accumulate funds over time. Other options may include a IRA, such as a Roth IRA which is funded by after-tax contributions. If invested early enough, these accounts can continue to accumulate interest during a gap in a woman's career, whether for caretaking purposes or any other reason.

For more information for women, check out our Section for Women that features articles, calculators, and frequently asked questions. Visit www.feedthepig.org for more money-saving tips.

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Women still earn less across the glob than men

According to MSNBC a new study shows that women still earn one third less than men. Women with children earn even less and are less likely to be promoted.

"The persistent imbalance in household chores can hurt women's careers, the study of the International Trade Union Confederation concluded. Women with kids earn on average 68 percent of what men make, and overall, women make 74 percent of what men bring in, according to the report."

The report continues with findings that some women are required to take a pregnancy test before being hired.

"The study was based on reports from over 40 nations across the world.

The ITUC represents 176 million workers from 155 countries."

This is the reason this organization was formed. This study proves that we still have a lot of work ahead of us.

"Be the change you wish to see in the world." -- Gandhi, Mahatma