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StitcherWomen, especially mothers, often struggle to recognize their worth because of the expectations society has bestowed on them. In this episode, Cat Collins, an award-winning blogger, writer, speaker, and mom, unravels with us what women, especially moms, are capable of doing, from their finances to all aspects of their lives as mothers—which is more than they ever thought.
You are capable of more and there are outlets for more.
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Cat Collins is the go-to personal finance expert for educated, aspirational moms who want to recapture their life passions, earn more, reach their goals, and take on a more active financial role in their families. Cat was named the Best Contributor/Freelancer for Personal Finance in 2014, and over the past few years her writing and financial expertise have been featured in dozens of notable publications like The Wall Street Journal, Yahoo! Finance, U.S. News, and World Report, and many more.
Surprises of Writing And Personal Finance
Cat originally pictured herself working in museums as a curator. She studied history in her graduate school program but found herself struggling as she was only making $12,000 a year. This pushed her to start a blog as a creative outlet and a way to relieve stress, which soon blossomed and became a supplement to her income as she became a freelance writer. Along the way, people would ask her to write articles she knew nothing about in finance, but over the course, through her passion, grit, and determination, she learned a lot and is now writing full-time about personal finance.
Do More, Learn More
While there are plenty of articles, books, and resources geared toward helping moms with their finances, Cat felt most of them were mediocre and were missing the language that would speak to moms as highly intelligent powerhouses, totally capable of making more complex money decisions. She felt compelled to show that mothers are just as capable despite the unrealistic and contradictory expectations of society towards women and raising children. Cat had high expectations of herself and others—that they could do more, learn more, and reach their full potential.
Children and the Multiple Financial Considerations
Multiple kids meant multiple things to consider as well. Cat gives her twins each the opportunity for the same allowance, as she tries hard to be equal to both children. However, as they get older, they become more different, which changes their individual needs. Cat and her husband do budget meetings once a month to organize finances and make money decisions. The best gift to our kids is to be stable and financially independent as we age and it is challenging. We have to make sure that we prioritize our retirement and help your kids be responsible in all aspects.
Be a Stay At Home Mom or Be a Working Mom?
Cat is an advocate for encouraging moms to make decisions based on what’s best for them. She understands being in both worlds—a stay-at-home mom and a working mom. The whole chapter centers on educating moms to consider many points when making decisions. Ask yourself, What does it look like when you step out of the workforce for five years? It’s not just you today; it’s also you at 65 wanting to retire. It is valid to make emotional decisions, but Cat wants moms to run every number and think about it. When applying for a job, try asking for a number that makes you highly uncomfortable.
Therapy Edition: Our postpartum-induced thoughts while Jill tells us everything’s okay
- Cat: A few weeks after giving birth, she returned to writing again, but unwanted thoughts began plaguing her mind. She immediately called her husband, who was watching their kids for the first time, and bawled her eyes out in the coffee shop.
- Jen: During a meeting with her accountability group, she expressed how badly she wanted to write a book because she thought it was going to get harder now that she has Kai. She really wished she had someone with whom she could be vulnerable.
- Jill: Hearing the personal stories of Jen and Cat, she reminds both of them and all of the mothers that you do have people to hear you out, but some of it is your own permission to be kind towards yourself.
Get more from Cat
Bill of The Week
Thank you, Cat for sharing your bill about your birthday gift of 2 – $1 bills from your twins!
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Finally!
I’m so happy I found a frugal podcast that is more than “make coffee at home” or bring your lunch to work”. So many things they suggest I have been doing for years which totally endears them to me. But I have learned a lot from them as well.
Their chemistry is great and they’re really funny. I listen on the way to work. Keep the frugal tips coming!
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