Protect and plan
Ellegard uses analogies and terminology deemed “female friendly” without dumbing it down. For example, she said that the word “budget” sounds like a punishment, similar to how no one likes the word “diet.” Instead, she breaks it down into Tomorrow’s Treasures (goals and what you are saving for), Past Promises (what you have already invested in, like a car or mortgage payment), and anything leftover is for Today’s Joy.
For women just starting out in learning financial independence, no matter their age, Ellegard recommends bringing the topic up at the dinner table or starting a dialogue with girlfriends. She said money can be a taboo subject, but having someone else involved while doing in the exercises in her book, especially a spouse, can make things easier. The divorce rate is 50% in the United States, and Ellegard said money is a common factor in relationship friction.