At one time or another we have all known someone who has not been game enough to open their credit card statement for fear of knowing the state of their financial position. I say to people in denial that – “avoiding the situation only makes it worse so the next time you receive your credit card statement make sure you don’t ignore it, so you can start taking control of your financial future.”

There’s a joke that goes something like this – “If at first you don’t succeed file for bankruptcy and transfer all your assets into your spouses name.” Brought a smile to my face but lets face it bankruptcy is no smiling matter. Many of us live perilously close to bankruptcy but have become conditioned to living beyond our means and often borrow to make up the difference.

Women often earn less than men but live longer which makes it difficult to save sufficient funds for a comfortable retirement. Consequently it’s generally accepted that woman should contribute more into superannuation to achieve the same standard of retirement benefits as men. It is important for single and married women to plan for their retirement. Unforeseen events mean that women should plan independently for their old age instead of relying on someone else