Women in Leadership Series: Money, Power & Peace

How to Raise Your Financial IQ to Achieve Power and Peace

Choosing to become financially literate sets you upfor long-term success. True wealth brings freedom, power, and peace of mind—but achieving it requires practical money skills, intentional planning, and discipline.

A panel of accomplished female financial experts recently shared insights on how to accumulate, grow, and protect wealth at OneFamily Illinois’ March 25 Women in Leadership Series, held in honor of Women’s History Month.

While each speaker followed a unique path to financial independence, their messages were remarkably consistent, offering both practical guidance and encouragement. The takeaways below may inspire you to save a few more nickels in your piggy bank and take greater control of your financial future.

Start With a Plan

A financial plan helps you understand how much money you have and where it’s going. Review your expenses line by line. You may besurprised by how many opportunities there are to cut back.

Separating wants from needs can be challenging (as most of us know all too well), but this awareness is essential to building financial stability and achieving your goals.

Save Early—and Automatically

One of the easiest ways to start saving is through an employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k) or 403(b). Contributions are automatic, and many employers offer a matching benefit.

“Not taking advantage of an employer match is likeleaving money on the table,” advised Ivana Vukanic, Certified Financial Plannerand Certified Divorce Financial Analyst at Performance Wealth.

But how do you learn this lesson if no one teachesyou?

Dr. Traci Brooks, Financial Educator and Caregiver Advocate, shared a pivotal conversation that shaped her lifelong savings habits:

“I was in my early 20s and wasn’t saving money. Mybrother, who was a CPA, sat me down and asked if I was contributing to my401(k). I told him I couldn’t afford to. He said, ‘You can’t afford not to,’and explained why.”

This is a powerful example of the conversations women need to have—with one another and with the next generation—to promote financial confidence and capability.

Get Your Affairs in Order

Estate planning ensures your assets are managed according to your wishes and that your loved ones are informed and protected. Every comprehensive estate plan should include four essential documents:

1.   A Will

2.   A Living Trust

3.   Advance Health Care Directives

4.   Power of Attorney for Finances

Putting these pieces in place offers peace of mind and prevents unnecessary stress for those you care about most.

Financial Health Supports Physical Health

A healthy bank account can contribute to better physical and emotional well-being. Wealth-building helps reduce stress and anxiety associated with financial uncertainty, such as difficulty paying bills, affording medical care, or meeting basic needs.

Chronic financial stress can elevate cortisol levels in the body, which may increase the risk of conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. Managing your money wisely is not just a financial strategy, it’s a health strategy.

The Bottom Line

Everyone—women and men alike—must take charge of their personal finances. That means understanding options for growing wealth, setting clear goals, creating a plan, and, most importantly, sticking to it.

You don’t have to do it alone. Seek guidance from a trusted financial professional, a financially savvy friend or family member, or successful business leader who can help you move confidently toward your goals.

To learn more, connect with One Family Illinois’ five Women in Leadership presenters:

• Katina  Panagopoulos, Vice President, Chicago’s LaSalle Wintrust Bank
• Ivana  Vukanic, Certified Financial Planner, Performance Wealth
• Dr.  Kenya Martin, Veteran and Owner, GBT Logistics
• Darlyn  Turner, President, Liberty International Network
• Dr.  Traci G. Brooks, Faith-Driven Leader, Financial Educator, and Caregiver     Advocate

About One Family Illinois

Founded in 1990, One Family Illinois is an independent 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing the safety and well-being ofchildren. The organization fulfills its mission by keeping siblings together in foster care, empowering youth, strengthening families, and partnering to build thriving communities.

For more information, contact Kathy Wolf, Director ofCommunications, at (312) 388-0176 or kwolf@onefamilyillinois.org.

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