February 2024

It’s been quite the season for football fans in Michigan! Did you see the Michigan Wolverine’s football team go all the way to win the National Championship? What a game! Have you witnessed the incredible year the Lions have had – we’ve waited too long to see that success happen; don’t you think? But wait, we aren’t supposed to be watching sports. We’re women and doesn’t society tell us that sports watching is for men?

Now, there are various levels of excitement and commitment when it comes to both sports watching. For example, I like watching the Lions football games with my husband, Roger. However, when it comes to other football games or basketball – maybe not my first priority, but a good tennis match or marathon – I’m in! We all have different levels of interest, but what is frustrating is the societal implication that we as women, don’t/shouldn’t/can’t watch a sporting event. They’re wrong!

The irony here is that they say the same thing about investments. Women aren’t supposed to have an interest in finance or investments either. I mean – we “don’t like math,” so why would we care about investments. Little known secret – I love math! And…. I love finance and understanding investments. Now, just like with sports watching, there are various levels of excitement and interest in finance and investments. For example, I remember a few years back, sitting with a client and sharing how exciting it will be that she can see all of her individual stocks and bonds on her statement. She kindly looked me right in the eye and said, “It might be exciting for you, but not so much for me.” Hahaha! I can appreciate that!

My point is, don’t let society dictate what you can or cannot watch or what you can or cannot have an interest in. Being an active participant in your financial and investment planning is important. It doesn’t mean you have to research every investment, it means showing up, being part of the conversation, attending annual meetings with our team, attending our annual women’s event if possible or just asking questions.

We women need to stick together. We need to support each other in all our endeavors, whether it is watching football or looking at our finances – we’re a team! Go Lions!