The Ascent of (Wo)Man
With many of our nation’s best and brightest women set to graduate from college any day now and Mother’s Day right around the corner, it seems like the perfect moment to step back and take stock of the state of women in our country. None other than the Prophet of Omaha himself, Warren Buffet, did just this in a recent issue of Fortune magazine. For an inspiring read, check out Buffet’s articleand learn why he’s so optimistic about the future of our country and the role women have to play in it.
In a similar vein, I recently read and enjoyed Sheryl Sandberg’s book, Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead. Sandberg, ranked #10 on Forbes’ 2012 list of the world’s 100 most powerful women, is the Chief Operating Officer of Facebook. In Lean In, she shares practical advice and wisdom that will be of interest to career women both present and future. But, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Sandberg also has a lot to say to those who are partners to or parents of women that work (or might someday work!) outside the home. (Husbands and fathers of the 21st century, you’ve been put on notice!)
Bottom line, Lean In is front and center on the list of books I wish I had read when I was 20. If you have a burgeoning career woman on your spring gift list (or even a more established one), this book would make a thoughtful and thought provoking gift. For a sneak peak, check out the TEDTalk that lead Sandberg to write the book.
What’s any of this got to do with financial planning? Well, at Woodward Financial Advisors, we consider women to be among our favorite client groups to interact with and financial planning for women to be our specialty. Whether she’s a busy professional with her career in full tilt or a stay-at-home mom taking the lead with her family’s finances, helping women get their financial life in order and keep it that way is one of the most gratifying aspects of our jobs.