If all of us, men and women, need to know how to deal with money, why talk about finance only for women? The previous sentence is partly true. In part, because knowing how to deal with credit cards, learning how to set priorities and making assets grow through investments are not gendered. These are universal issues. The point that concerns the other part of this story is that women have been, and are, going through unique issues in relation to finance. And because of that, it makes perfect sense to talk about finance for women.

We know that historically, we women have been overlooked in relation to financial education and that we still have a long way to go before we can acquire all the knowledge necessary for a full financial life. When we entered the job market and started to receive our own money, we were faced with new situations that demanded quick and lonely learning, since our mothers and grandparents also did not have access to financial education. If we stop to think that all the progress we have made as citizens is relatively recent (until 1962, for example, we could not have our own CPF, which prevented us from having a bank account), it is more necessary to talk about finance for women. I invite you to deconstruct three great myths about women's relationship with money:

Woman talking about money is impolite

The image of the good girl does not usually combine with ambition, with wanting to earn and accumulate money, with negotiating discounts, with salary negotiations, with the defense of her value and position in the job market. There are exceptions, but in general, girls are not encouraged to talk about money and investments. These themes are still considered "naturally masculine". And a child, be it a boy or a girl, without this type of preparation, will be at the mercy of the chance of life and the lack of independence and financial freedom.

Women only think about spending and have difficulties saving

That beaten stereotype, huh? But this image of "women spend too much" is reflected even in research done on the internet. A study conducted by the Starling Bank showed that 66% of the articles targeted at women had as their main theme "spend less", while 70% of the articles focused on the male audience dealt with "how to earn more". The truth is that, if women spend more, it is largely because they are the most responsible for the purchase of everything that involves the basic needs, including those related to the spouse and children. In my career as a financial mentor, I have seen several people who spent more than they could or should, and this difficulty is definitely not exclusive to women.

When women invest, they prefer savings

We cannot compare investment strategies of those who already have knowledge about the topic with those of those who are beginning to understand about the financial market, its opportunities and its risks. The desire to see our money multiply, and always with the lowest possible risk, is universal. What makes a person make inappropriate choices about investments is a lack of knowledge, not their gender. Let's be clear: there is no need to talk about money only for women or only for men. Money is everybody's business - what we need is to include women in the financial universe and demystify it for everyone.

Of course, these aspects do not apply to all women or all men. It is just important that we are aware of these differences before taking an instant loan. This enables us to approach our finances in a targeted manner and tailored to our needs.