This article was published in the Department of Primary Industry’s Rural Women’s Network Spring 2011 Newsletter

Increasingly, young women are acting on their desire to live their dreams whilst learning skills to be financially astute. The 10thousandgirl campaign helps young women gain confidence, clarify their plans and learn the basic financial principles to support their goals.

With the fast growing independence of young women, over the next three years the 10thousandgirl campaign aims to support 10,000 young country-based women to live their dreams whilst being financially astute. As part of programs being run in 100 communities across Australia, a special sponsored workshop series was run in Scone and Merriwa over April 2011 in conjunction with Albury based style and image consultant Sandra Martin. The workshops were organised by Caroline Long and supported by the Department of Primary Industries. Here’s what two of our workshop participants had to say …

Allissa, aged 28
Why did you attend?
I attended the workshop because I had been afraid of looking at how to manage my money for a long time. I believed that money controlled my life, that I would never understand how to manage money and therefore made poor life choices because I felt defeated around finances. I was tired of living scared, so it was time to get some education and learn some tools to make money flow for me, not let money hinder my life flow.

What did you hope to get from the day?
Tools for my tool box!

What did you learn/how did you benefit?
My money matters were de-mystified, the clouds began to clear and I began to see my dollars a little clearer.

What actions have you taken since the workshop?
I am currently charting my spending and am in observation mode as my needs change.

What are your ‘words of wisdom’ for other girls looking to get their plans and personal finances on track?
Just go for it! Start somewhere, get brave, find a financial advisor or a 10,000 girl! and ask just one question important to you around money, the answers will come and then they will just keep coming and before you know it you’ll be feeling more and more confident and be having loads more fun with your finances.

What are your next steps?
I would like to look at getting a 10thousandgirl GIG (Girl Investment Group) together in the Newcastle area. I am really interested in getting some of this amazing information and education out to women who are or have been in situations of domestic violence. A big question on my mind right now is how to get the same learning and confidence around finance to women before they get to their ‘final straw’ in abusive relationships.

Phoebe, aged 26
Why did you attend?
Although I am a fairly good saver, anything that involves maths/numbers is not my favourite thing so I procrastinate over these things and annoy myself that I’m not doing more to take charge of what I spend.

What did you hope to get from the day?
I wanted to find ways to make financial stuff not so daunting. I also wanted to learn about what financial advisors do and whether I should visit one.

What did you learn/how did you benefit?
I learnt the difference between accountants and financial advisors. I got some tips on how to manage my money. I got inspired by what other women are doing to take control of their finances.

What actions have you have taken since the workshop?
I got together all the information on my super accounts so that at the beginning of the new financial year I can consolidate them into the best performing fund. I have outlined payment schedules for all outstanding debts and worked out when they will be paid off. I have spent my savings on a trip to Africa!

What are your ‘words of wisdom’ for other girls looking to get their plans and personal finances on track?
Get your finances under control because you’ll be amazed at the great things you can do with all the money you save! Plus it’s the small purchases that really eat up your money, by putting together a budget you realise just how much you spend on the small impulse purchases like an extra drink, ice-cream, chocolate. I’m not saying you have to stop purchasing these, we still need treats but when you realise you’re spending a hundred dollars or more a month on these you might not be so peckish!

What are your next steps?
I’m off to use my savings to explore the world – Africa!

The aim of the 10thousandgirl Campaign is to ensure every young woman 15-40 years:
- Has a plan for her life (dreams and goals that are written down)
- Has minimum 3–6 months wages in accessible savings
- Has relevant insurance in place
- Is learning to plan, save and invest for a self-funded retirement
- Is doing what she loves each day
- Is contributing to our world’s broader economic prosperity and wellbeing

10thousandgirl creates economic improvement for women through providing light hearted and engaging educational resources and programs in safe accessible environments, including; a 12-month Personal Finance Program delivered via bookclub like GIGs (Girl Investment Groups), one-day Life Planning Workshops, one-hour School Talks, Workplace and Community Presentations and an online resource hub.

Our goal is to raise $1 million to support women in developing countries to launch their own business … this is the ripple effect.

With every two Australian girls who go through the 12 month ‘GIG’ program, a micro loan is provided to a woman in a developing country to start or support a business and lift herself out of extreme poverty. This element of the program is to raise awareness around the fact we live in a global economy, and show that as individuals, when we step up, we increase our capacity to assist others. It’s a ripple effect!

10thousandgirl is supported by the Australian Government’s Office for Women and Economic Security4 Women, providing bursaries for women living in marginalised positions in Australia to take part in the programs. See our website for information on how to apply: www.10thousandgirl.com/apply-for-a-bursary

As part of the tour around 100 regional centres across Australia, the campaign is looking for financial planners, accountants, mortgage brokers, property professionals and interested womens and community groups to assist in running programs in the following areas: Canberra, Bathurst, Orange, Young, Dubbo, Tamworth, Armidale, Singleton, Newcastle, Alice Springs, Barkly Tablelands, Wagga Wagga, Albury, Wodonga, Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong and Melbourne.

To participate in or assist with an upcoming event in your area, visit the website: www.10thousandgirl.com or contact Zoe Lamont at zoe@10thousandgirl.com or
on 0419 622 968.