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YOU WILL LEARN HOW TO: 99 Stop Overwhelm By Setting Smaller, Attainable Goals 99 Breaking It Down – From Challenge To Baby Steps 99 It Will Get Easier – Getting Used To Change 99 The Importance Of Taking Time To Grieve 99 Embracing Challenges And Creating New Routines 99 Sleep On It – How A Good

Night Sleep Puts Everything Into Perspective 99 You’re Stronger Than You Think – A Look Back At What You’ve Overcome 99 Celebrate Your Victories And Successes 99 Reflect On How Far You’ve Come And Where To Go From Here

I have been where you are now, feeling hopeless and alone. Not knowing how I was going to cope with everything, but here I am now, moving on and thriving. I didn’t make it this far by giving up when the going was tough and neither did you. Join me so we can figure this thing out together! We can leave a legacy for our daughters and all those wonderful women out there. Let’s give ageism the flick and live our lives with passion and purpose. Come on, become a member of my team and see if we can’t shock a few people.

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Contents 8

NOEL WHITTAKER: FINANCIAL SECURITY IN OLDER AGE

13 BABY

BOOMERS MEAN BUSINESS

MAKING A DIFFERENCE OVER 60

21 T O P

TRAVEL DESTINATIONS FOR SOLO LADIES

24 A M A N D A

BENNETTS: HELPING WOMEN OVER 60 TO GET INTO BUSINESS

29 PHILIPPA

HUNT: TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FINANCES

34 T I P S

FOR STARTING OVER AFTER DIVORCE

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EditorIn-Chief I

t is my pleasure to welcome you to the first edition of Move On magazine, a new online magazine for women over 60 who have experienced a major transition. Maybe you’ve lost your life partner, retired from your career, are divorced or kids have left home - I have written this magazine for you. By now you may have begun to accept your loss, to some degree. That doesn’t mean you’ll never cry over a loved one’s death or your trauma again. There will still be hard days and you’re still going to experience difficult emotions. But wrapped in with these emotions will be good things, too. You’ll be able to look back on your memories from life before, with fondness. You’ll begin to enjoy little pleasures in life again. You’ll start making plans and creating goals. This is where I come in. Let me introduce myself. My name is Dorothea. My friends call me Dot. I’m 75 years old, and a little over two years ago I lost my husband of 53 years to cancer. I nursed him for the last 12 months, so while his passing was not unexpected, it was still a shock when it happened. I found myself in a situation I’d never been in before. Suddenly: - I had to make my own decisions, without Alan to rely on - I didn’t have the responsibility of another person

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to look after. Alan was gone, and my kids were all adults and had their own lives and families - I was at a cross-roads, confused about “what next”. - For the first time in my life, I felt that there was something inside me longing to get out. I’d spent so long playing a support role as daughter, wife or mother, for the last 70something years, I hadn’t been ME.

what the media would have us believe, that you are wise, brave and resilient.

During the last two plus years I have been on a journey of self-discovery and I want you to join me. Let’s show the world we are a force to reckon with, show them we’re not senile old ladies and we have plenty of spark left in us. Ladies, my mum is 94 years of age in a couple of weeks and she lives on her own, does her own cooking and gardening (except when I visit). To me that means I could have, at least, another twenty years to fill, might as well do something I enjoy. What do you think?

According to the book ‘Bolder’ by Carl Honore, more and more people across the world are ageing more boldly than ever before and making the most of their longer lives. The good news is, it has never been a better time to be an older adult. He also points out that the chief obstacle to learning in later life is not the ageing brain, it is the ageist stereotype that erodes our confidence and puts us off trying new things. If you are doing what makes you happy, then age doesn’t matter.

Over the last two years, I’ve begun some new hobbies, travelled quite a bit (“You’re never home,” I think the neighbours say!), became a certified Life Coach, NLP Practitioner/ Hypnotherapist and am currently furthering my knowledge via online learning. My goal is to awaken you to the possibilities that exist for older single women in the world today, helping you to move on with confidence to create a new, exciting future for yourself. Helping you to recognise your beautiful authentic self, giving you permission to be in charge of your own life and to know, despite

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. I will present to you wonderful women defying the negative stereotypes that abound in todays society. Of course, you may not want to do any more than you are doing now, that’s ok too, I just want you to know there is support for you and whatever you want to do.

My desire in publishing this magazine is to work with you, introduce you to the infinite possibilities that are around us and help you to move on to a more fulfilling future. I want you to become involved so we can improve our magazine. I would love to hear from you, and I welcome any ideas for stories or just to get to know you, come and interact with us in our Facebook group. Howtomoveon

Dot

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Contributors Noel Whittaker

International bestselling author, finance and investment expert, radio broadcaster, newspaper columnist and public speaker, Noel Whittaker is one of the world’s foremost authorities on personal finance. Noel reaches over seven million readers each week through his columns in major Australian newspapers and also broadcasts on over 50 radio stations. Noel is one of Australia’s most successful authors, with 20 bestselling books achieving total worldwide sales of more than two million copies. His first book, Making Money Made Simple, set sales records across the country and was named in The 100 Most Influential Books of the Twentieth Century.

Philippa

Financial expert Philippa Hunt is the founder of WiseGirls Money, which provides the opportunity and place for growth and development of women of all ages in personal and financial skills in a supported female environment so that they take control of their future to become financially competent and capable to reach their own financial independence.

Amanda Bennetts

Amanda Bennetts is no stranger to developing and growing businesses across the globe. As Chairman and CEO of a world leading fashion brand of boots, Director of a sourcing company based in China, developer of Café/Play centers, glossy magazines, events, business development companies, charities, Sydney Olympics, Insurance agencies, Real Estate, published author, franchises… you can see she is ambitious, experienced and open to a challenge.

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NOW

to get a copy of this free introductory guide Learn the most important traits that help you move on to a more fulfilled life Tips for surviving now and into the future Imagining a positive future that appeals to you will help you to feel happier Learn why it is important to take charge of your finances (and why not to take advice from Great Aunt Nora!) Open your life up to more and My husband was sick for 12 months (cancer) and I nursed him. So his passing was expected, but was still a shock. Once he was gone, all direction was gone. Before his passing we were always busy, had purpose and things to do. My role was to help and support him, and to do things together. Once he passed I experienced a loss of identity, questioning things like who am I now and where am I going. Yet, I still

better experiences How to add more fun to your life How to Find Comfort in Every Moment

needed to maintain the finances and the other roles in my life as a mother and sister. Now having to do things for myself I was worried if I was doing things right and experienced feelings of guilt â&#x20AC;&#x201C; did I do enough when caring for him? Through all this confusion and guilt, I decided to re-educated myself. For the first time in my life I felt there was something I could do for me, I could start rebuilding my life.

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FINANCIAL SECURITY

In Older Age WITH NOEL WHITTAKER

It is well accepted that some women are just not interested in finance. This is one of the reasons women can end up with less superannuation than men do. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also common in a partnership that one partner, often the male, tends to handle the finances. This can cause enormous problems if he becomes incapacitated and has not passed on the

family finance knowledge. While major financial principles have changed little in 200 years, markets, on the other hand, can change quickly. Laws can also be a little fluid, although there is usually plenty of notice here. Whether you are a single or a couple, it is critical you have some financial knowledge to help you make the right decisions moving forward.

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There are several key points you should be aware of as you move into older age. The most complicated issue in the financial world is aged care, which can personally affect someone now aged in their 60s as well as spouses and family. Navigating this is far too hard to do on your own. This is why it is important to consult an aged care specialist if you are in a situation where you might need aged care advice now or in the near future.

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It’s also important to get advice about estate planning. Make sure you have a valid will and have given a trusted person an Enduring Power of Attorney so they can act for you if you are absent or incapacitated. Property ownership has a number of pitfalls, for example a property held as joint tenants will go to the surviving partner irrespective of the terms of the will of the deceased. It pays to be aware of what rules and regulations apply to your individual situation. Another aspect of retirementage finances that is important to

understand is the pension rules. For example, as it stands, if Labor gets into power a retiree will not get a refund of franking credits unless they are receiving the age pension. Early 60s is the perfect time to decide how much you need for retirement, whether you are looking for the pension, and considerations such as whether you wish to give money to your children now or defer that until later. This is no easy decision – each case is different. If you are unsure of what rules apply to you, do your research and seek advice so you can plan for the best possible outcome.

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Now is also a pertinent time to have written a list of assets, including, where your assets are held and what kind of assets they are. It is wise to also let your family know where your will and Enduring Power Of Attorney is held, the name of your solicitor, financial adviser, accountant and any other people who are relevant to your financial situation. Check over and update this every 12 months in a written statement detailing these assets and any liabilities. Schedule a meeting with your adviser every 12 months to check if your assets are performing as expected, and whether you need to make any changes to your financial situation. Be aware of the many dangers

when rearranging your affairs – for example, if you move to a different superannuation fund you may lose the life insurance in your present fund and not be able to renew it. Also, there could be capital gains tax consequences if investments are cashed in, or if you decide to liquidate growth assets such as shares or property which have been left to you in somebody’s will and carry an unrealised capital gain. If you don’t already have an adviser, how do you find a good one? When asked this question, my answer is always the same; “If I was a newcomer in your city, how would I find a good doctor, accountant, solicitor et cetera.”

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Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really a matter of seeking recommendations from friends who are happy with the person they are using. Searching the web for nearby service providers will also come up with other peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recommendations. These are just a few things to consider as you move forward into retirement and beyond. Whatever decisions you make, ensure you have the right information and trusted advice so you stay financially secure in this next chapter of your life.

Noel Whittaker is the author of Making Money Made Simple and numerous other books on personal finance. noel@noelwhittaker.com.au

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BABY BOOMERS Mean Businessâ&#x20AC;&#x2030;!

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We go through most of life being too busy to notice the years and decades go by - usually focussing on everyone but ourselves. Then suddenly everything changes - families grow up and move on, personal circumstances change.

this is a long-held dream, while for others it’s an unexpected opportunity to grab hold of. So what are the advantages of starting a business at 60?

Many women over 60 are dealing with various forms of loss - be it their partner, other family members and friends, jobs and routine. Without warning there are a lot of empty hours in the day, but how to fill them? Most things we like to do cost money, which can be in short supply once out of the workforce. But what if there was a way you could do what you love and make money rather than spend it? It’s a concept that baby boomers are embracing in droves, ditching the day job to become their own boss. For some,

1. BEING YOUR OWN BOSS After many years of dealing with other people’s needs at work or home, you get to call the shots, using all your life experience. 2. CHOOSING YOUR OWN HOURS The beauty of being the boss is you decide on your time commitment - do you want to work every day, or just a few hours a week? 3. CHOOSING YOUR OFFICE Have visions of earning money from the comfort of your home, the poolside or the beach? Why not? Or perhaps you’ll choose a co-working space for regular contact with people. 14

4. DOING SOMETHING YOU LOVE Do you have a hobby that could turn into a business? Is there something you’ve always wanted to try? 5. SOCIAL INTERACTION Whatever business you choose, you’ll need customers to make it work. Having a business gives you new opportunities to meet people - customers, suppliers, other business owners. Local business networking groups are a great way to connect with like-minded people and learn from them too.

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Entrepreneurship tends to be associated with young people brimming with ideas and unpronounceable technology, but it’s not all coding and memes in the small business world. And baby boomers have a few key advantages over the millennials experience trying, failing, learning and starting again. They are resilient, wise and practical. They’ve learned from others at work, home and in social circles. They are well connected, have a great network and usually we have

some cash to get started without taking food off the table. The idea of starting a business might be daunting, but you don’t have to aim for the next Amazon or Arnotts! Whether you see yourself going solo offering products or services occasionally, or heading up a local, national or international operation, you won’t be the first to try. Baby boomers around the world are launching businesses every day.

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The first step is to think what you have to offer, what you enjoy, and what lifestyle you want to create. Some semiretirees opt for niche areas that build on their past professional experience, offering services such as consulting, coaching, mentoring or training in their industry. Others offer personal services such as child care, aged care, pet sitting, house sitting, cooking, cleaning, styling or driving services (those things you’ve always done for free?).

Then there are the more traditional customer facing businesses like shops, cafes, restaurants, wine bars which require more cash and planning to get started, but can be very rewarding. There’s never been a better time to get started with technology leading the way, a wealth of information to get you started, and help you connect with clients.

Some top tips before getting started 1. Make sure there is a ‘problem’

that you offer a ‘solution’ to. It’s a good idea to test your idea before officially launching. How much are people prepared to pay, and how often will they buy?

2. Work out how much cash you

need – what do you need to buy to get started, and how long will it be before you start to bring cash in?

3. Learn about the technology

that will support your business – for example pet sitting and house sitting have websites and apps to connect people and offer a level of security

4. Use your network to test the

idea and pick people’s brains

5. Join a local business

networking group to find potential customers, suppliers, advisors and mentors.

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MAKING A

DIFFERENCE

OVER 60 BY GEORGINA SENES

Some of the most interesting and inspiring women I know are over 60. My own mother single handedly raised five children whilst working full-time and never had time to do anything for herself during her 30s and 40s. She just climbed Mount Kilimanjaro last year, at the ripe young age of 64. Her mother, my grandmother, who will be 97 this August and who has always had a desire to travel the world, has just

booked herself a ticket to France. These are two women who have grown stronger, more independent, increasingly courageous and feistier with age. And they are not alone. There is plethora of women throughout history and today, who have, and are continuing to inspire us with their ideas, inventions, achievements and political feats â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and they are all over 60!

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Let’s have a look at a few: Marjory Stoneman Douglas A well respected American journalist, author and women’s suffrage advocate, Douglas became best known at the age of 79 when she took up the fight to protect Florida’s Everglades. For the next 29 years of her life she was a fearless crusader for the natural preservation and restoration of South Florida and was widely referred to as the “Grande Dame of the Everglades”. When she died at the age of 108, working right up until nearly her death for Everglades Restoration, an obituary in The Independent in London stated, “In the history of the American Environmental movement, there have been few more remarkable figures than Marjory Stoneman Douglas.”

Ruth Bader Ginsburg This incredible woman was of only the second female Justice in United States history, when she was nominated at the age of 60 in 1993. She continues at the age of 85 to serve on the Supreme Court and to be highly influential on key decisions regarding the rights of women. She has worked tirelessly against gender discrimination and despite her advanced age and recent health scares is no way ready to retire.

Anna Mary Robertson Moses Known by her nickname Grandma Moses, this outstanding American folk artist only began painting at the age of 78. Her works are displayed in many museum collections and have been marketed on greeting cards and other merchandise all over the world. Her piece, Sugaring Off, was sold for US $1.2 million in 2006. This incredible woman is often heralded as a great example of how an individual can successfully begin a career at an advanced age.

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Olga Kotelko This remarkable runner’s real athletic career only began after her retirement from a 30-year teaching career. Having played baseball in her youth, she took up slow-paced softball, then track and field in her 70s, eventually earning the title of oldest female jumper in history. She held over 30 world records and won over 750 gold medals – all achieved through her 70s, 80s and 90s with many considering her to be “one of the world’s greatest athletes!”

Kathryn Joosten Kathryn was a nurse and then a stay-at-home mum who decided after the collapse of her marriage when she was in her 50s to pursue her lifelong dream of being an actress. Cracking into the entertainment world is a tough gig at any age, but this is a remarkable achievement for a woman of a more mature age. Since she entered the industry she found both fame and success in her 60s and appeared in a wide range of TV shows, such as, Family Matters, My Name is Earl and Desperate Housewives. She also won two Emmy’s and was a wonderful example of how age should never be a barrier to pursuing your dreams.

If you look at history, and the achievements that these women have made later in life, you may well find that your 60s and beyond could be the most rewarding and successful time of your life. These women, like my own mother and grandmother, show us that it’s never too late or that you’re never too “old” to explore something new, change your career, take up a mission, try a new challenge or most importantly do something fulfilling and fabulous with your life!

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Mike Dooley of Notes from the Universe. www.tut.com/Inspiration/nftu 20

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TOP TRAVEL D E S T I N AT I O N S

For

Solo Ladies

When you’re trying to move on to a new phase in life, one of the best things which can help is travel. Being in new places, seeing new things, meeting new people and taking in the beauty in the world can be a real balm for the soul. You don’t need to put off travels until you have a friend or new partner to go with, either. Travelling solo is a great way to reconnect with and understand yourself as you move forward. Plus, if you’re not sure about organising your own independent travels, there are plenty of wonderful tours you can join (which also provide you with wonderful opportunities to meet new friends). If you’re looking for some inspiration, here are some top travel destinations for solo ladies you should consider visiting in 2019 and beyond.

NEW ZEALAND If you want to ease into your travel adventures, New Zealand is the perfect place to start. It’s only a short plane ride away from Australia, and is clean, safe, and culturally much like home. New Zealand is a good place to hire your own car, as navigation is easy and each island isn’t too overwhelming to explore. Plus, of course, this mountainous nation is renowned for its stunning scenery. Check out crystal clear lakes, fresh white powder, glaciers, and much more.

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J A PA N Another country to visit if you want to keep your plane travel short is Japan. This is one of the safest countries in the world to visit, and is clean, well-organised and traveller-friendly, with excellent public transport. In Japan you can learn about the fascinating local history, culture and cuisines, get a crash course in mindfulness and meditation, engage in a special tea ceremony, see cherry blossoms blooming, explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and enjoy stays in female-only hotels if preferred.

CANADA Canada is also well-suited to older single travellers looking to see the world. As a Commonwealth nation, this North American destination has a similar culture to Australia, which makes things easier, and is chock full of amazing sites. Ride the Rocky Mountaineer train through pristine wilderness; see bears, eagles, moose and other animals; learn about French-Canadian culture in pretty Quebec City; attend a world-famous event (such as Calgary Stampede or the 22

Montreal International Jazz Festival); and witness the power of Niagara Falls.

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ENGLAND If you grew up loving English authors like Jane Austen, Emily Bronte, George Orwell, Charles Dickens, Daphne du Maurier and George Eliot, one country likely to be on your bucket list is England. With easy public transport links between key cities and regions, and stunning landscapes and cities to walk around, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Spend time exploring the many wonderful museums and galleries in London; take a short course at Oxford University to get your creative juices flowing; see stone

circles which are thousands of years old, and otherwise step into history as you travel around.

PA R I S Another destination most women dream of going to one day is Paris. Use a trip here as the impetus you need to learn a new language, and spend days strolling along the Seine, shopping for antiques, witnessing the grandeur of stunning architecture, testing French wines, and even taking a drawing lesson at the Louvre. You can also see Paris spread out before you from the viewing platform on the iconic Eiffel Tower, take in a show, and try out the many French delicacies the country is known for.

THAILAND If you’re interested in more of a relaxing holiday where you can stay in one spot and focus on your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, Thailand is a worthy choice. Here you’ll find all sorts of excellent health retreats where your meals are cooked for you and you can spend your days learning to meditate, practicing yoga, tai chi or chi gong, having massages and facials, reading good books, and getting to know yourself better.

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r e v O n e m o W g n i p Hel ss e n i s u B o t n I t 60 ToGe With

Amanda Bennetts

There is a growing trend these days for women over 60 to start their own businesses. This isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just about financial security, although often this is what prompts the move; many women are also keen to explore passions and share their knowledge and experience.

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Amanda Bennetts is an Australian executive who helps guide older women to go down this entrepreneurial path. As a Director of The CEO Institute, Chairman and CEO of a fashion brand, Director of various ventures, and published author, Bennetts has extensive self-employment experience. She sees many reasons why older women are at the right stage of

life to start their own businesses. “Women over 60 years of age are in the best position to do this. They generally have their life sorted, no small kids to look after, and are financially smart and secure,” Amanda says. “Plus, since our brains get more creative each day as we age, this makes our ability to problem solve and think outside the square easier. Older women also tend to have a very

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good work ethic. All these traits are needed to be a successful business owner.” There are lots of potential upsides to starting your own venture. Bennetts says, “You get to use the knowledge and creativity you have earned over the years. Doing so builds your self-esteem and helps to keep you passionate.” Bennetts notes, too, that she sees time and time again one common reason why many women over sixty become 26

entrepreneurs. “Mainly it’s seeing a problem, and knowing they have a way (that’s different to what others are offering) to fix it.” Of course, as with anyone getting into business, there are challenges to be aware of. “Older entrepreneurs think they have to understand everything, and be able to do everything. Technology, in particular, is the biggest hurdle for most. But women need to realise they are quite capable of getting others

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to do the things they’re not good at. They also need to develop the confidence to guide others to their vision, even if they don’t know exactly how it is done.” There are ways around these types of challenges, though. “Stop being arrogant,” advices Bennetts. “You can’t do everything, no matter how many courses you attend. Start realising that the donkey work is for someone else. You have the vision, you have the power, and it’s your turn!” When asked if there are any particular fields where 60plus women are excelling, Bennetts identifies the healing arena. “This area seems to be attracting a lot of mature women, mainly because they understand that self-love is really the foundation of a good life, and many have had to learn this the hard way. They’re very good at working in this field

because they’re nurturing and good listeners, too. “Unfortunately, though, that personality trait can conflict with the marketing of their business. Many women end up doing what they love but not making a lot of money. That’s one thing I want to change.” To make your entrepreneurial dreams come true, it’s important to get support, both professionally, from coaches or mentors who align well, and from family and friends. However, Bennetts says that while this is amazing to have, many mature women actually think they need more support than they actually do. Furthermore, there can be conflicts when women go after their goals and get kickback from others because priorities change. “It doesn’t sound fair,” says Bennetts, “but it’s a common occurrence.”

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When it comes to educating yourself on business processes and related matters, find options which suit your personal level of skills and knowledge, and the type of business you want to run. “Horses for courses,” says Bennetts. “First identify what you want to achieve, then what you have to offer and enjoy doing, then what’s missing. After this, decide whether you should bother to learn it or get someone else in to do it for you. Remember, too, that confidence doesn’t come from learning, it comes from doing.”

an online course run by Amanda Bennetts. Readers can take advantage of a $2000 discount off the course by using the code MOVEON. As for coaching, she’s close to capacity, but Amanda can take on two new clients at the moment. For a 12-month program, the cost is $480 per week. Note that clients must complete the aforementioned online course.

Mindset is something else to focus on. “It’s everything,” notes Bennetts. “Believe business success could be possible for you. If you don’t, you’ll find a way to make that your reality. But, if you think it could be possible, you’ll work with that and through trial and error will make it happen.” If you’re interested in completing a business course to make your entrepreneurial dreams a reality, check out www.TheSimpleBusiness. Global/courses/ SimpleBusinessforBBW. This is

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Amanda Bennetts 60PlusWoman.com

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never too late

To Take Control Of Your Finances

WHY WOMEN NEED TO START STEPPING UP

With

Philippa Hunt Australian women are living longer and according to financial expert Philippa Hunt it is time for women to increase their financial security and be active in developing their own financial portfolio which will allow them to take control of their financial future. As a renowned money mentor, Philippa Hunt has spent many years working on womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s issues and groups and served on the Women in Finance Committee and President of BPW Canberra years

ago and is still at the forefront of women and their money. Through her commitment to women and finance she has been vocal and passionate about her belief that the female mindset needs to be transformed in order for women to have financial freedom and in turn enjoy the positive benefits that comes with it. This passion has led her to found the Wisegirls Money Academy, an education program specifically designed to bridge the gap between women and their

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knowledge and to develop their financial capability and own independence. Here we chat to Philippa Hunt about not only the Wisegirls Money Academy but also why she believes so strongly that women need to take control of their finances and that it is never too late for you to take over the reins! As the founder and creator of Wisegirls Money you are clearly passionate about women understanding their relationship with money and controlling their finances. Where did this passion come from? Women are smart with money. They know what things cost because they pay the bills and they are good at budgeting. I discovered that what they don’t have is investment knowledge and the confidence to invest for themselves. Many women believe that this is an area that they don’t truly understand and therefore they don’t think of the

future based on investing for their own wealth. This is about the fear of getting it wrong simply because of a lack knowledge.

Over the past 20 years as a qualified financial adviser with my own business, I realised that women were clearly missing out on getting holistic and comprehensive advice because they either thought that they could not afford it or did not have enough money to warrant that level of advice. So I figured that there had to be another way. My dedication and life mission is to educate and work with women and their families so they reach financial security and independence. Why do you think that women often seem to have a resistance to discussing money and finances? Women are not usually educated from a young age to manage and handle their money or to understand financial information. The resistance comes from a fear of not knowing what to do with their money and thinking that they might fail and not get it right. They don’t

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seek professional advice because many believe that it’s beyond their financial capacity. In your opinion what are some of the most common issues that women, especially older women have in organising and dealing with their finances? The most common issue for women is a lack of financial information and technical know-how. Also women don’t have the financial language in many cases of dealing with financial institutions and many lack confidence in their own ability. Older women typically did not have access to credit and money without a man when they were younger and many of these women in the older age group have been through a property settlement and have not come out the other side particularly well. The wonderful thing about being an older woman is that you have life experience. Educating these women to manage the money that they have and assisting them to become financially secure overcomes the common issue that many of them never really understanding how money works. We are all living longer. As women what are some of the things that we should be preparing for to ensure our financial security as we age? With younger women we really focus on assisting them into the mindset and understanding of what their life will be in retirement decades before they get there. Most people can’t think past the

next 10 years so it is difficult to think long range. Education about investment, technical information, coaching and assistance to apply their knowledge so they take care of their own planning for the future is absolutely essential decades out before they actually need to start living on this money. Women in their 50s usually contemplate what to do for the next 10 years. Many women assume that they will just keep working until they can’t. Fortunately, with the Internet women can now create incomes for themselves without actually having to go to an office or be employed by a business.

What are your top five tips that women should consider when managing their money?

Budget carefully: Many women are pretty smart with money and can budget. For those that do have trouble with managing money the first step is to understand what those issues are and look at lifestyle and see where savings can be made.

. Pay yourself first: Take as much money as you can save and have that deducted from your bank account into one that you can’t see and can’t touch. You then budget to live on what you have left.

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. Set aside some money in the budget that pays your bills and some beauty money: You can call it holiday money, beauty money, coffee with friends money or whatever you like but it is money that allows yourself the occasional treat knowing that you are saving as much as you can quietly in the background.

. Educate yourself: Financial literacy simply means learning the terminology of money. However, literacy has to be applied. Learning how to invest your money based on quality research is a skill that can be learned and applied to create your own investments. The secret to this is to have coaching and assistance to implement the things that you are learning.

. Set a very clear goal. This goal should be achievable in small steps with the clear end date. A goal is a dream with a deadline. Carefully saving and investing will assist women to achieve their most cherished goals.

Is it ever too late or as women ever too old to take control of their financial future? It is never too late. Start today. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve educated women of all ages to achieve small and large goals. For older women who feel that their income earning days are over we have the Internet and the opportunity to create income for themselves irrespective of their age. 32

Internet business is just not for young entrepreneurs. Many of the women in the United States in politics such as Nancy Pelosi who is 79 going on 80 and is the most powerful woman in the country. Hillary Clinton was 69 running for presidential election. Wisegirls Money is dedicated to educating women to manage and invest the money that they have as an older woman. All women have wisdom that they earned all their life. What are some of the benefits that women will get out of the Wisegirls Money approach to their finances? There are many benefits to going through the course. Being educated for their own personal growth and development in the financial knowledge they need to implement financial strategies for their own safety and security. The first half of the course is based on psychology so women learn their values, motivations around their money and how that affects their spending behaviour. The second half focuses on learning about money and how it works. The benefit of learning financial terminology, strategies and research gives women the technical know-how to achieve their goal. The next benefit from there is that they receive coaching and assistance to start the process, carefully implemented step-by-step, monitoring of their own progress and tick off the bucket list as they go.

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Women who go through Wisegirls Money program form a community that helps them, and in turn they help others through experience and achievements. Women can also share the questions and their feelings of anxiety and get some help to make them feel better and keep going. We can refer women to professionals in related fields like psychology if other issues emerge as a result of exploring their insights into their behaviour. If you could give one piece of advice to the older women wanting to make financial changes or improvements in their life, what would that be? Set out what you want to achieve very clearly. Set a realistic time frame.

Look at your cash flow and figure out how much you can save. Figure out what you need to take the next step. Is it financial information, money know-how or skill to invest? Check in with yourself, how well off do I want to become or having just enough for comfort and security? These values will set the path and the goal. Start. For more advice from Philippa Hunt or to learn more about the Wisegirls Money Academy visit www.wisegirlsmoneyacademy.com.au

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Tips For

Starting Over AFTER DIVORCE

Life can begin and change at any age—and for a lot of reasons— but divorce after 60 is a growing trend. It’s becoming so common, there are names for it: Silver divorce, Gray divorce, late-life divorce. There are several reasons for the growing trend of divorce after 60:

Whatever the reason, divorce after 60 is becoming more common and can be terrifying and daunting, but it can also be exciting and motivating. Starting over after 60 can, in some aspects, be easier than starting over at a younger age— when your priorities and confidence weren’t as mature as they are now.

We’re healthier than before and living longer

BE SAD, BUT COPE.

We’re less willing to “settle” and stay in bad marriages

Women are more independent than in previous generations

No matter the reason for a split, divorce can uproot a person and make them feel unworthy, discouraged, and unwanted. You may want to sob and scream and lounge in sweats watching Netflix all day. That’s fine! Be sad. Take time to grieve.

It’s more widely accepted for men to leave a long marriage for something new

But remember there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Life hasn’t ended; a new door has opened, and this journey is just beginning.

There is tremendously less stigma to ending a marriage

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Surround yourself with loved ones and allow yourself to lean on them when needed. It’s easy to slip into sadness at a time like this, but making sure you’ve got someone to talk to is a satisfying and comforting safety net to keep you in good spirits. And if you don’t feel like being around people, do something that makes you happy instead. Get in the kitchen and bake, watch an old movie, craft, or go for a nice walk. Do the things that make you feel great and cope with your loss.

GET YOUR FINANCES IN CHECK. Finances are probably last on your list of things to worry about after a divorce, but you need to protect yourself and your assets. Contact your bank, cancel any joint accounts, and take care of any outlying debts. You’re responsible for any joint debts in your name, and if an expartner stops paying, it could affect your credit rating. You also should reevaluate your will, especially if your ex-partner is listed as the beneficiary. If you don’t have a drawn up will, now is the time to do so.

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LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD. After divorce, it’s easy to lose confidence and feel like you’re not enough, especially if your ex-partner has moved on. Make sure you get dressed every morning. If you feel your best when your makeup is done, put on makeup. Our emotions follow our actions, and research has shown that when we put an effort into how we look or dress, we can feel more confident and more productive. Simply smiling and standing up straight can make an impactful difference in your day and outlook on life.

IDENTIFY WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU. As opposed to finding yourself starting over at 25, you have more knowledge and experience now. The choices you are faced with after 60 are different than before, and based on your experiences and past decisions, you can choose a different direction. Focus less on age and focus on what you can explore now. Figure out what you find important in your life and focus your energy into those things.

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