From Earning to Empowered: How Financial Literacy Transformed My Independence

“True empowerment begins when you take control of your own story, your choices, and your future.”

I couldn’t agree more with this statement. Empowerment is not something handed to you on a silver platter. It’s something you seize for yourself. And when it comes to taking charge of your life, there’s no substitute for self-empowerment. No one is going to do it for you—you have to take that first step.

This lesson was ingrained in me from a young age, thanks to my mother. She always told my sister and me that being a woman didn’t mean we had the luxury to lean on someone else. She taught us to never confuse love with dependence. Our roadmap was clear: get educated, build our own careers, and secure financial independence. Those lessons, while challenging to follow at times, have shaped the life I live today. Decades later, I’m reaping the rewards of those values and basking in the pride that comes with financial independence.

The Freedom Financial Independence Brings

To me, financial independence means having the power to live life on your terms. No strings attached. It’s about making choices—big or small—without being shackled by obligation or compulsion.

Also Read: Building Wealth, One Step at a Time: A Guide to Mutual Funds and Financial Empowerment – Part 2

Too often, women tolerate unacceptable situations simply because they’re financially dependent on someone else. By choosing to rely on others, we unknowingly hand over control of our lives. Money talks, and whoever controls it inevitably holds the reins.
I still vividly remember the day I got my first paycheck. The joy and exhilaration were unmatched. For the first time, I felt truly free—like the world looked brighter and full of possibilities. That paycheck wasn’t just money; it was a ticket to independence. And as my career grew and those paychecks became larger, so did my ability to make choices that were solely mine. Whether it was splurging on a gift for my mother, buying something for the house, or even treating myself, every decision was empowering because it was mine.

Beyond Earning: The Journey to Financial Literacy

But here’s the thing—I soon realised that financial independence is only half the story. While earning gave me freedom, it didn’t guarantee security or empowerment in the long run. Earning and spending felt great in the moment, but what about the future? Could I sustain this sense of freedom forever? What about emergencies? Retirement?
That’s when I understood the power of financial literacy. As Suze Orman says, “Financial empowerment is not about what you earn, but what you learn to do with what you earn.”

I started small. First, I tracked my monthly expenses to identify where my money was going and curbed unnecessary spending. Then, I made saving a priority. My initial step was buying gold coins—a simple and familiar option that gave me a sense of security. It wasn’t groundbreaking, but it was a start. And that small step sparked a larger mindset shift. I began exploring other avenues like Public Provident Fund (PPF), which I had earlier seen only as a tax-saving tool. Suddenly, I was tracking its growth and taking it more seriously.

Over time, I ventured into fixed deposits and, eventually, SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans). Believe me, the amounts weren’t huge, but the magic of compounding worked wonders. Slowly but surely, I was building a safety net and a future that I could rely on—one that wasn’t dependent on anyone else.

Financial Literacy: A Game-Changer

This newfound financial literacy transformed my life in ways I hadn’t imagined. It gave me the confidence to take risks and make bold decisions. One of those decisions was setting up my platform, AboutHerWomen. I didn’t have to ask for help or wait for approval. I funded everything—marketing, operations, and more—entirely on my own. Today, eight years later, it’s thriving, and I owe that to the financial independence and literacy I worked hard to achieve.

Also Read: The Three Pillars of Women Empowerment: A Call to Action for a Better Future

This journey also reinforced a critical lesson for me: when our parents invest their time, money, and effort into educating us and equipping us with skills, why would we ever hand over control of our lives to someone else? Life is unpredictable, and unforeseen circumstances can strike at any time. Depending on others—no matter how loving or caring they may be—is a risky gamble.

The Call to Take Charge

If there’s one thing I’d urge every woman to do, it’s this: take control of your finances. Don’t let fear, hesitation, or overconfidence stop you from achieving the independence you deserve. Dependence, in any form, is not a sustainable or happy way to live.

Enjoy the love and care in your relationships, but never let your freedom be compromised. Wake up, smell the coffee, and take charge of your life. Because true empowerment doesn’t come from earning money—it comes from knowing how to make that money work for you, now and in the future.