Tuesday | 13 May 2025 | Reg No- 06
Bangla
   
Bangla | Tuesday | 13 May 2025 | Epaper
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Money is the key to freedom

Published : Saturday, 26 April, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 2435
Adrija Das
For generations, we have heard the saying, "Money cannot buy happiness." It's a phrase meant to remind us of the intangible joys in life such as love, friendship, and peace of mind. I believe money may not be able to purchase happiness outright, but it can buy freedom. And freedom, for a woman, is often the first step toward a life of respect and dignity. For many women around the world, particularly those navigating patriarchal systems, financial independence is not just about comfort- it has become a key tool for survival.

Consider the countless women trapped in abusive relationships, unable to leave because they lack the financial means to support themselves or their children. The young girls denied education because families prioritize male heirs when resources are scarce. Think of the professional women whose dreams are routinely put on hold because society forces them to choose stability over ambition. In such realities, money becomes more than currency. It becomes a ticket out. It is a way to say no to exploitation, to walk away from oppression, and to make choices without fear of retribution.

Step one of becoming financially stable is to gain financial literacy which includes understanding earning, budgeting, and saving. There are multiple free online resources, physical workshops, and community programs that lay a solid foundation for educating women and children about money.

Step two is pursuing income-generating opportunities, whether through traditional employment, freelancing, or small businesses, which can help build independence. There is no limit to how you can start earning, initially for small businesses it would be ideal to sell to family and then the nearest neighborhood and slowly expand. It is also essential for women to advocate for fair pay, set clear financial goals, and seek mentorship when possible especially when working a traditional job.
Step three, budgeting is also crucial, as it helps track income, prioritize expenses, and prevent overspending. By creating a monthly income and expense notebook that allocates funds to essentials like rent, groceries, personal fees, and any loan repayment, women can gain clarity over their financial habits. Getting a better idea of how much monthly it costs to support and contribute to the family allows better chances of increasing income sources in the future.

Step four which is saving should be treated as a non-negotiable category. Whether it's setting aside a fixed percentage of income each month, using methods like the 50/30/20 rule, or saving whatever is left of the income monthly, no matter how small the amount, builds a financial cushion over time. The 50/30/20 method divides income into three clear categories: 50% for essential needs and expenses that occur every month; 30% for personal wants like eating out, entertainment, or shopping; and 20% for savings and debt repayment. This structure offers a manageable way to take control of finances but also leaves money aside for personal enjoyment. Once basic savings are in place, women can start working toward specific goals, such as travel, education, breaking free from abuse, healthcare, or even retirement.

Having money affords women the right to privacy, mobility, and most importantly, resources. In many cases, it allows them to speak, to dream, and to exist safely in spaces that otherwise try to shrink them. While it is certain that money alone cannot fix every systemic issue, however, to deny its power is to overlook a critical part of the conversation around gender equality. Because happiness may be subjective, freedom is not- and for women, financial freedom is often the foundation upon which every other right is built.


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