6 January was 'Divorce Day', global equities are now worth $88trn, how to get out of debt, Samira Ahmed wins her equal pay battle, what is compound interest and listen to Jen Sincero talk about money.
Weekly newsletter for women who want to be smart about money: financial news, personal finance and investing
Welcome to our #2 weekly newsletter in 2020.
Every week we curate key articles and content so you can stay informed and inspired about money and investing without the boring bits!
We spend hours sifting through content every week and apply a female-lens to news and content about money so that it is fun and meaningful to you.
Ultimately we want to support you in making well-informed financial decisions, grow your net worth and ensure your financial security.
From The Purse…
Editorial from the Founder
The start of the year tends to be fairly busy for family lawyers who see a spike in the number of enquiries regarding starting divorce proceedings. Monday, 6th January is often referred to as ‘Divorce Day’. And experts warn about the financial cost of ignoring pensions as couples tend to focus on the house or children.
Pensions should not be ignored as they are the biggest asset after the family home.
According to research by Fidelity International, women are 33% more financially vulnerable if going through a divorce (compared to 19% of men).
Women tend to take time off to start a family and often work part-time when their children are young. This will often reduce a woman’s pension wealth by 47% compared to a man’s, according to Pensions Policy Institute.
Moreover, the gender pensions gap is often compounded by the gender pay gap which currently stands at 8.9%; for 40-49 year olds it is 11.9% (in the UK).
We can help close the gender pensions gap by ensuring pensions are a part of the divorce ‘negotiation’.
And crucially, women will reduce the risk of being poorer during their retirement years.
Remember, it’s worth being money smart today so you can enjoy financial security in your life when you need it most.
Check out: Money Advice Service website for more information.
The Big Picture
Global markets and economy news, trends and indicators
The equity markets remained resilient this past week despite the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. (Source: FT)
The 2019 late year optimism in equities suggest investor sentiment is leaning towards a global economic rebound.
“The key questions for 2020 are whether the central banks have laid the ground for an extended economic cycle and whether corporate earnings will rebound to ease pressure on margins." (Source: FT)
Global equities are now worth $88trn, the highest value in history. On 2/11/2016 global equities were valued at $55.68trn (a difference of approximately $32trn).
S&P 500 companies issued $485bn in 2019 dividend payments. And dividends in 2020 could return to double-digit growth rate. (Source: FT)
Chainlink, a top 20 cryptocurrency, is up almost 400%+ over the past 12 months compared to Bitcoin which has increased by 100%+ over the same period. (Source: Forbes)
Source: Coinbase
The UK retail industry has suffered the worst year on record in 2019. Retailers are facing the challenge of more people shopping online and cautious spending due to political uncertainty. (Source: The Guardian)
Looking Ahead to 2020
Cut your credit card costs
Get a better overdraft deal
Consider consolidating your debts
Think about switching to a better current account
Max out your allowances
Save for your spouse
Pay into your pensions
Use tax efficient investments
Give gifts
Keep an eye out for changes (the Budget is expected as early at February 2020)
When is the next Budget 2020 and how will it affect your finances?
Study: Brits lack financial literacy:
Two thirds (67%) of Brits do not feel well-equipped to make the best financial decisions for themselves, with over two thirds (68%) admitting they are not financially observant.
The lack of financial literacy is particularly prevalent in young women in the UK, with only 28% of females agreeing they feel well equipped to make good financial decisions.
Have You Seen This?
Female-focused news, reports, research, campaigns
Samira Ahmed has won her BBC gender discrimination case:
"An employment tribunal on Friday ruled that work by the female Newswatch presenter was “of equal value” to that of fellow presenter Jeremy Vine, who at £3,000 per episode was paid almost seven times as much for anchoring another BBC programme, Points of View."...."The broadcaster said it would “consider this judgment carefully” before deciding whether to appeal or offer Ms Ahmed the £700,000 she had argued she was owed in back pay."
Female doctors earn £40,000 less than male colleagues due to ‘two-tier’ GP pay gap:
“On average, a male GP earns an estimated £110,000 a year while their female colleagues earn an estimated £70,000, meaning women earn just 65p for every £1 earned by their male counterparts. For all NHS doctors, not just GPs, the gender pay gap is 17 per cent. The UK average is 16.2.”
What We’re Tracking
Female-focused products or services, crowdfunding campaigns, start-ups led by female entrepreneurs & investment, research.
P&G acquires Billie, a women’s shaving products start-up with $35m in VC funding:
Georgina Gooley and Jason Bravman founded Billie in November 2017.
Billie’s current product portfolio includes razors, shaving cream, body wash and body lotion. The company has made headlines for its efforts to eliminate the “pink tax” on goods marketed to women.
Money Habit of the Week
Do you have a money habit you would like to share with us? Tweet @jointhepurse
Albert Einstein called compound interest the eighth wonder of the world and “He who understands it earns it; he who doesn't pays it.”
The diagram below illustrates the power of regular savings and how increasing the amount you save over time can make a big difference to how much money you eventually end up with.
Start saving and investing your money as early as you can. And the next best time is to start today.
Caught Our Eye
New digital tools and cool stuff for managing your money
Interested in buying and storing Bitcoin on your mobile? Check out Mode and download the app on your iphone. (Use the code Evolve or join the waiting list).
Mode is the all-in-one solution for all your Bitcoin needs, one that gives you the control and transparency you deserve. (Disclaimer: this is for information purposes only)
We’re Applauding
Female role model in politics, finance, business, money, or investment
We’re celebrating entrepreneur Eileen Fisher, who built a fashion empire and her employees own 40% of the company. Fisher launched her company in 1984 with just $350. Today the company is valued at $400m and has over 60 stores in the US, Canada and the UK. (Source: CNN Business)
..Staying private has also enabled Fisher and her employees -a majority of whom are female -to be more vocal about issues that are important to them. Fisher says many of her employees feel a sense of ownership in the company and are not afraid to approach her with a problem or concern.
What We’re Listening To:
Jen Sincero is the #1 New York Times best-selling author, life and money coach who changed her life around with one big decision: she was going to ‘take the money thing seriously’. Listen to this 56min interview where Jen opens up about her journey to financial freedom. Enjoy!
What We’re Reading
Jen Sincero went from living in a converted garage to traveling the world in 5-star luxury in a matter of years. Read about her journey in You Are a Badass at Making Money and you too can change your money mindset.
Coffee Break? Read This
Single women are losing on real estate investments (hint: we need to negotiate more often)
Unemployed men who take on traditionally female jobs make more money
Health company becomes first in the UK to offer women flexible working during menstrual cycle
Why do so many incompetent men become leaders and what can we do about it
We’d love to hear from you. Do you have feedback? Have we missed anything? What would you like to see more of? Get in touch with Jana via the The Purse website or tweet @jointhepurse and @janicka.
The Purse Ltd. Copyright 2020 & All Rights Reserved.