It is not uncommon for women to put others first. For centuries women have been taught to be docile and not be too ambitious for fear of being seen as too bossy or greedy. That can often translate into women not asking for raises, going for the job they want, or advancing their careers, which means less money to invest in themselves and their families. But if there is anything that history has taught, it’s that money is power.
The idea of more money more power is true because those who have more money tend to have more power over their lives, society, and those around them.
So what can women do about it? Take control of their finances to get more money and power.
What is meant by money is power?
Of the 2,668 billionaires compiled in the annual Forbes list, only 327 are women. That’s only 12% of women in the world who are ultra-rich, many of them from inheritances.
Women are also less likely to hold office, with women making up only 27% of Congress despite women making up about 51% of the total U.S. population.
Money is power because it gives you the ability to buy a lot of things, from retirement security to health in some cases. While being wealthy doesn’t mean you’ll automatically be happy, money can solve a lot of issues that women face.
Why money is power for women
One of the money is power quotes from American poet and journalist Carl Sandburg states “Money is power, freedom, a cushion, the root of all evil, the sum of all blessings.”
It's one of the money and power quotes that is true not just for men, but for women as well. In fact, there are many reasons why money matters for women. Money can help women:
Lowers the gender wage gap
On average, women earn 84% of what men earn, according to the Pew Research Center. This is another example of how money is power, as women must work an extra 42 days to earn equal pay to men.
And as women are usually also the caretakers at home, that can eat even more into women’s earnings and savings potential.
But with more money, women can close that gap and be on equal footing with the men in the room.
Fights gender inequality
Gender inequality is a good example of money vs power. Money is actually one of the key things that can help women fight gender inequality, as more money more power totally applies to this situation.
Having money can help women fight gender inequality, by giving them more opportunities to travel, get an education, and be independent. We can then make choices as women that help things to be more equal for our gender.
Closes the gender investing gap
Women have traditionally invested less than men, but that gap is closing among younger investors thanks to more education and exposure to investing options.
According to a Fidelity study, two-thirds of women are investing beyond emergency funds and retirement accounts.
With more money, women can invest in their future and ensure that their retirement accounts stop lagging behind their male counterparts.
What women can do with money power
Having money gives you options. There is a reason many think that money is power. You can use it to change your life and the lives of those around you.
Get out of toxic relationships
It’s not uncommon for women to remain in toxic relationships and the reasons are complicated. But having money is one tool that women can use to get out of toxic relationships.
It allows them to be independent and not be scared to leave a relationship because they can’t afford rent or to buy groceries.
Get an education
One of the biggest advancements to a woman’s career is to get an education. Having a degree can help you get a better-paying job, which in turn can help you build up your wealth. But education is expensive.
If you can pay for your education, you’ll have more choices, as you can afford to choose a school you want to go to rather than one that is affordable.
Help your family and community
Another reason why more money more power is true, is that it can aid you in helping your family and community. You can have money to pay for your kid's education and help them succeed in life.
And you can help your community by volunteering your time and money to help those in need. That can mean helping run a soup kitchen or simply donating money to your local Red Cross center.
Further your career choices
With money, you can have the option to make a career move based on what you want to do rather than just taking a job because you need the extra cash.
Instead, you can wait for the right career move and pursue the career that you really love, rather than dreading going to work every day.
Travel and explore the world
When you have money, you have the power to explore and travel as you wish. You can explore new cities and cultures.
If you are rich you can pay when and as you want for travel. You don’t have to worry about traveling while on a budget.
Travel is an amazing opportunity to learn about other cultures and yourself but it’s expensive. Having the money to travel is an added luxury.
How women can get more money power
There are many benefits to having money power, but how do you get there? Wealth doesn’t grow overnight (unless you win the lottery and that’s rare). Instead, try focusing on these money-growing tips:
Save and invest
One way to get more money and more power is to save your money instead of spending it. You also want to invest it. Thanks to the power of compounding, your money can grow when invested without you needing to lift a finger.
Of course, investing can be risky so make sure to learn as much as you can and seek counsel before you start investing your hard-earned money.
Learn to negotiate
One of the key differences between money vs power is that while money can be spent, power gives you the opportunity to control the situation.
Negotiating is one way that you can use power to your advantage to gain more money.
Negotiating doesn’t come easy to anyone and is a skill set that everyone should learn, especially women.
Run your own business
If you want to understand how money is power, then start your own business. Not only will you get to call the shots, but there is no limit to how much you can grow.
While building up a business is a lot of hard work, it can also be very rewarding and help you accomplish your long-term financial goals.
Don't settle for less
If you want power and money, then don’t settle for second best. Work hard towards your goals and stay focused.
Wealth can help you get things done quickly. While it can’t buy friendship or happiness, it can help you accomplish many of your personal and career goals.
Money is power quotes
If you want to earn more and grow your wealth, then you can motivate yourself by writing some of these money and power quotes.
Having these money is power quotes nearby can help you stay focused as you work towards your financial goals.
"Money is power. Every good man and woman ought to strive for power, to do good with it when obtained. I say, get rich, get rich!" - Russel Conwell
"Women with money and women with power are two uncomfortable ideas in our society." - Candace Bushnell
“The greatest enemy of mankind is his ignorance of the inherent money power in all of us. When the realization of this comes to man, he will like Samson, push down the walls of his prison.” - E.C. Riegel
"What counts the most for women is having the confidence to make your own money." - Cardi B
“Money: power at its most liquid.” -Mason Cooley
Money is the key to power!
The above money and power quotes show that money gives you choices and gives women the opportunity to grow and be independent.
If you want to close the investing gap and fight inequality in your community, one of the best ways you can do that is to focus on becoming wealthy so you can make a difference.
With money vs power, you actually need both. More money equals more power. With those two things, you can make an impact on your life and the lives of those around you.
If you're interested in reading about earning money and managing it properly, see our other Clever Girl Finance articles.