In honor of Women's History Month, a spotlight has been cast on the growing importance of women in financial decision-making within households. Primerica's Chief Financial Officer, Tracy Tan, recently shared valuable insights with 7News Anchor Megan Clarke regarding how women can enhance their confidence in managing finances. Despite increasingly taking on the role of household CFOs, studies reveal that many women still struggle with self-assurance when it comes to more intricate financial decisions like long-term investments. To address this, Tan advocates for small, consistent steps toward financial stability and emphasizes the value of professional guidance.
A Pathway to Financial Confidence for Women
During this significant month dedicated to celebrating women’s achievements, an important conversation emerged in Arlington, Virginia. The discussion centered around strategies for women to reclaim control over their monetary affairs. According to CFO Tracy Tan, women are becoming pivotal figures in family finance management. Yet, despite their crucial role, they often feel uncertain about handling complex financial matters such as long-term savings plans. Tan suggests beginning with modest but regular contributions, which, over time, yield substantial results due to compounded interest. For those unsure where to start, she recommends performing a "health check-up" on one's finances, either manually or by consulting a financial expert.
Tan also highlights the significance of setting clear goals and tackling debt strategically. She advises focusing efforts on paying off specific debts rather than spreading payments thinly across multiple obligations. Moreover, as more single women enter the housing market, Tan underscores the necessity of thorough analysis before making home-buying decisions. This includes understanding potential mortgage interest rates and balancing current spending patterns against future financial commitments.
As someone reflecting on these insights, it becomes evident that empowering women financially is not merely about numbers; it’s about fostering independence and resilience. By adopting simple yet effective practices and seeking professional advice when needed, women can build lasting confidence in their financial capabilities. This approach not only benefits individual households but contributes significantly to broader economic stability and growth. Embracing these principles during Women's History Month serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of informed financial decisions.
In the heart of Montana, where expansive wilderness thrives alongside its diverse wildlife, a dedicated organization is taking significant strides to ensure that these treasures endure for future generations. The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) stands at the forefront of preserving not only mule deer and blacktail deer but also their essential habitats. Tony Peres, Vice President of the Great Falls chapter, highlights the foundation's mission: safeguarding animal populations and their natural environments across the state.
On a broader scale, while the Mule Deer Foundation operates nationwide, each local chapter contributes uniquely to its community. In Montana, 18 chapters are spread out, each playing an integral role in conservation. Jason Fuhrman, President of the Great Falls Chapter, explains how their efforts encompass various initiatives such as chronic wasting disease testing, habitat improvements, controlled burns, and land management strategies. These activities underscore the commitment to maintaining ecological balance within the state. Peres reiterates the importance of keeping funds within Montana to support projects directly impacting conservation goals.
As part of their fundraising endeavors, the Great Falls Chapter organizes an annual banquet scheduled for Friday, March 28th at 5 p.m., held at the Elks Lodge in Great Falls. Attendees can look forward to enjoying a prime rib dinner while gaining membership to the Mule Deer Foundation. David Green, Co-Chair of the Great Falls Chapter, notes that proceeds from the event will be allocated to statewide conservation projects. Emphasizing the urgency of conservation, Peres stresses that without proactive measures, the current and historical bounty of Montana’s wilderness cannot be preserved for posterity. Everyone has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully by participating in this year's banquet or exploring other ways to get involved through their Facebook page.
Protecting Montana’s rich biodiversity is not merely an obligation but a passion-driven endeavor that reflects humanity's responsibility towards nature. By engaging with organizations like the Mule Deer Foundation, individuals can actively participate in shaping a sustainable future for both wildlife and their habitats. This initiative serves as a testament to the power of collective action in safeguarding our planet's precious resources.
A community-focused initiative named "Money in Your Pocket" aims to provide free tax preparation services for low and moderate-income families. This program, facilitated by the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) service under the United Way of the Capitol Region, connects eligible taxpayers with volunteers who assist them in filing their state and federal income tax forms. The primary goal is to support underserved communities by ensuring they receive all available credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit, which can significantly enhance their financial stability.
In an interview, Heidi Newhaus, the Volunteer Center Director for the United Way of the Capital Region, highlighted that individuals earning $45,000 or less annually and families earning up to $67,000 qualify for this assistance. Most clients served by VITA earn between $24,000 and $25,000 per year. These figures underscore the importance of the program in addressing financial challenges faced by many households.
The backbone of this initiative lies in its dedicated team of volunteers. Established in 2003, VITA has attracted long-term commitment from its participants, some of whom have been involved for over two decades. According to Newhaus, volunteering not only aids those in need but also creates a rewarding experience for the volunteers themselves. Their dedication has been instrumental in the program's success over the years.
This collaborative effort exemplifies how community involvement can lead to meaningful change. By empowering individuals with financial knowledge and support, VITA ensures that more families can benefit from essential tax credits. Listening to the podcast provides further insights into the impact and stories behind this impactful initiative.
Through volunteer-driven efforts, the "Money in Your Pocket" program continues to make strides in improving the financial well-being of countless families across the region. The enduring commitment of its volunteers highlights the profound difference grassroots initiatives can make in fostering economic resilience within communities.