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Financial Freedom for Women Entrepreneurs: Unlocking Success with the 50-30-20 Strategy

Financial Freedom for Women Entrepreneurs: Unlocking Success with the 50-30-20 Strategy
October 10, 2024

 

As a young woman entrepreneur, you are not just nurturing a business but crafting a vision that intertwines your dreams, passions, and responsibilities. The journey is often filled with challenges—from societal expectations to juggling family commitments—making it all too easy to neglect your personal financial health. But just like you invest in your startup, you must invest in yourself. Here’s a guide to achieving both business success and financial security.

Unique Challenges for Women Entrepreneurs

As a woman entrepreneur in India, you may have to face a unique set of challenges that require both resilience and strategic planning. Gender bias can significantly impact your access to funding, while the societal expectation of balancing home and work life can be particularly overwhelming.

  • Overcoming Funding Hurdles:

    Women entrepreneurs often encounter discrimination when seeking loans or venture capital. To address this, explore alternative funding sources, such as government grants, crowdfunding platforms, or angel investors who support women-led businesses.

  • Dealing With Societal Expectations:

    Balancing your personal and professional life can be challenging. Prioritise self-care, delegate tasks when possible, and seek support from family and friends. Building a strong network of other women entrepreneurs can also provide valuable advice and encouragement.

  • Breaking Down Barriers:

    Celebrate your achievements and share your story to inspire others and challenge negative stereotypes. By showcasing your journey, you can help break down barriers for future women entrepreneurs and create a more inclusive business environment.

Remember: Your resilience and determination are your greatest assets. By understanding and addressing these challenges, you can overcome obstacles and build a successful and fulfilling entrepreneurial career.

The Entrepreneur’s Financial Toolkit

1. Savings: Your Personal Safety Net

For women entrepreneurs, life can feel like a delicate balancing act. You might land an exciting project, only to find family duties or unexpected expenses pulling at your time and resources. This is why a robust savings plan is crucial. Financial experts recommend setting aside 6-12 months’ worth of living expenses to create a safety net that cushions you during tough times.

This fund isn’t just a number; it’s your shield. It empowers you to navigate slow business months or client payment delays with confidence, freeing you to focus on your goals without the weight of financial anxiety. Prioritizing your financial well-being is vital to nurturing your dreams and ensuring that you're not just surviving, but thriving in a competitive landscape.

2. Investments: Cultivating Your Wealth

Women often encounter hurdles when seeking business funding. While there are multiple ways to get funding for business, it is aslsoessential to make your personal finances work for you. Once your savings are secure, consider investing 30% of your monthly income. This isnot just about numbers; it is about building a future where your dreams can thrive.

For example, if you earn ₹5 lakh a month, investing ₹1.50 lakh in a blend of equity and debt can help your wealth flourish. This approach builds your personal assets and provides a financial cushion that can be reinvested into your business if and when needed. Remember, every rupee invested is a step toward greater independence and security.

3. Insurance: Protecting Your Journey

As a woman entrepreneur, you know that life can be unpredictable. Illness, family emergencies, and unforeseen events can disrupt your plans. This is where insurance comes into play—not just as a policy, but as an instrument to provide peace of mind. A Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) offers the dual benefits of life insurance and investment.

ULIPs give you the flexibility to adapt your investments based on your journey. In the early stages, you might lean towards high-growth equity, but as you grow, shifting toward safer debt investments can help secure your hard-earned wealth. This adaptability mirrors your own journey—shifting and evolving as you navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.

The 50-30-20 Rule

Balancing the demands of running a business with personal responsibilities can make managing your finances feel like a daunting task. However, the 50-30-20 rule offers a simple yet effective framework that can help you achieve financial success.

This budgetting method suggests dividing your after-tax income into three categories:

  • 50% for essentials:

    Cover your rent, utilities, and other necessities related to your business and personal life.

  • 30% for investments and savings:

    Prioritise building a financial cushion for your business and personal future. This could include saving for emergencies, investing in your business growth, or planning for retirement.

  • 20% for lifestyle:

    Allow yourself some flexibility to invest in your well-being, such as dining out, hobbies, or self-care. Remember, taking care of yourself is essential for maintaining your energy and productivity as a woman entrepreneur. By following this tailored approach, you can create a budget that supports your entrepreneurial journey while ensuring your financial security.

While this segregation can is a general rule of thumb, the final split of income may vary person to person.

Balancing Risk and Return

You wear many hats, and each role demands a balance of risks and rewards. Starting early allows you the grace to navigate market ups and downs, so don’t shy away from higher-risk investments like equity funds while you’re younger. However, it’s just as crucial to anchor some of your investments in safer options.

With ULIPs, you can switch between funds without extra charges, empowering you to adapt your financial strategy as your life and business evolve. This flexibility mirrors the resilience you show every day as you navigate your entrepreneurial journey.

How Much Insurance Do You Need?

Finding the right amount of insurance can feel daunting, but a simple guideline is to aim for coverage that’s 10 times your annual income*. This amount can may not be perfect, but it should be enough to live comfortably and meet all the expenses.

If you earn ₹10 lakh a year, aim for ₹1 crore in life insurance. This coverage ensures that your loved ones and your business can weather any storms, providing peace of mind as you pursue your dreams.

Start Early, Secure Your Future

As a woman entrepreneur, you face unique challenges, from balancing personal responsibilities to battling gender bias in the business world. By prioritizing your financial health and adopting smart strategies, you can pave the way for a secure future. Products like ULIPs not only offer flexibility but also empower you to invest in yourself and your dreams.

Take the leap. Start planning today, and set yourself up for success in all aspects of your life and business. Remember, your journey is not just about building a business; it’s about crafting a legacy that reflects your values, strength, and vision. With determination and the right financial strategies, you can rise above challenges and create a life of abundance.

Source:

*https://www.business-standard.com/finance/personal-finance/explained-why-your-ideal-term-cover-should-be-10-15-times-your-annual-pay-123092101393_1.html

*https://www.guardianlife.com/life-insurance/best-life-insurance

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ARN: ED/09/24/15966

Francis Rodrigues Francis Rodrigues

Francis Rodrigues has a decade long experience in the insurance sector, and as SVP, E-Commerce and Digital Marketing, HDFC Life, manages the online sales channel, as well as digital and performance marketing. He has had hands-on experience in setting up sales channels and functional teams from scratch over a career spanning 2 decades.

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Author Profile Written By:
Vishal Subharwal Vishal Subharwal

Vishal Subharwal heads the Strategy, Marketing, E-Commerce, Digital Business & Sustainability initiatives at HDFC Life. He is responsible for crafting and ensuring successful implementation of the overall organisation strategy.

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