“Financial independence is paramount. My mom always says that when a woman is financially independent, she has the ability to live life on her own terms. I think that was the soundest advice that I ever got. No matter where you go in life or who you get married to, you have to be financially independent — whether you use it or not,”
— Priyanka Chopra, actress, singer, and film producer.
Priyanka’s mother is not wrong. Never mind how the household responsibilities may be split. Even though the woman in a heteros may be dealing with money all the time, the access to money and the decision making is usually left to the man.
Why are women financially dependant on their husbands or fathers?
Blame it on patriarchy, tradition, or how the media/film portrays gender roles. At the end of the day, women lose out. It’s bad enough that they don’t teach us anything about financial literacy in schools, but if we don’t get that information at home either, we are at a distinct disadvantage.
As a Gen-Xer born and brought up in India, I definitely was not aware of money or its importance for my empowerment. After living in the US for more than 30 years, I was aware, but not actively participating. Truth is, I was scared.
Fast forward to today. The importance and the urgency of understanding how finances work is how it impacts your working life, your retirement, and the next generation -especially for women of color.
If we don’t stand up and understand how finances work, how will we make sure we are not taken advantage of? Or how can we know if we’re being paid equitably? How will we know how to not run out of money during retirement? And how will we prepare the next generation?
What are the first financial concepts you need to learn to become financially independent?
- Look at all the money coming in from your pay or your side hustle. This is your income.
- Look at all your expenses. That’s everything that you’re spending on, from shoes to gas, to brunch with the girls.
- Do you have a credit card in your name? If you don’t, but you are using your spouse’s, then you are not building a credit score.
- If you do have a credit card in your name then, are you paying it all off at the end of the month? Or are you paying only the interests?
- Do you have a credit card in your name? If you don’t, but you are using your spouse’s, then you are not building a credit score.
- Go back to your income. Is it more or less than your expenses? If it is more, that means you are living above your means. Stop spending more than you earn.
- Look at your savings.
- Do you have a savings account? Are you putting a little bit in there every paycheck?
- Do you have an emergency fund? This should be anything between 3 to 12 months of your monthly expenses.
- Do you have a 401k or Roth at work? Are you putting money aside in there?
Why am I asking all these questions? Because I had to do it myself not too long ago. Knowledge is power. Once you know what you have, then you can decide on your next steps and where you want to go.
There is so much to learn, but when you start taking baby steps and making small decisions, you feel empowered. Then you make bigger decisions, and next thing you know, you are on your way!
Share this on Facebook and help another woman in her journey!
2026 Dance Class Winter Semester
Where: Hindu Temple of the Eastern Shore
When: Jan 11th - Mar 29th
Timings: Sundays
Beginners 12pm to 12:45 pm
Intermediate: 1 pm to 2 pm
Adults: 2 pm to 3 pm
Fees: Starting at $300/semester
Payment due on or before Jan 10th
Payments available via PayPal or Zelle (@sarmadancer@gmail.com).
Click here to submit payment and register.
2025 Past Events
January 5th - 12 pm - 3 pm first day of class for the new semester @ Salisbury Hindu Temple of Eastern Shore
February 26th - @ 5:30 pm Shivaratri program at Salisbury Hindu Temple of Eastern Shore
April 4th - @6:30 pm Rama Navami program at Salisbury Hindu Temple of Eastern Shore
April 26th - 3 pm to 4 pm Mudras in Motion, a Bharatnatyam Fitness class at Hindu Temple of Eastern Shore ($20). Click here to register and pay.
August 16 - @ 9 pm Janmashtami program at Salisbury Hindu Temple of Eastern Shore
August 26 - @ 6 pm Ganesh Chaturthi program at Salisbury Hindu Temple of Eastern Shore
Sept 12 - 6:30 pm Showcase of Excellence Wor Wic Community College 50th Anniversary Celebrations
Sept 21 - 3 pm Maryland Folk Festival, Plaza Stage, Audience Interactive Program
Oct 4 - 5 pm Durga Puja celebrations at Salisbury Hindu Temple of Eastern Shore
Oct 18th - 3 pm to 4:15 pm Movement & Storytelling, the Bharatnatyam way. Room 8 at the Paul Sarbanes Library in downtown Salisbury ($20). Click here to register and pay.
Oct 20 - 6 pm Diwali celebration program at Salisbury Hindu Temple of Eastern Shore
Dec 13 - 3 pm Annual year end show
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is it?
Bharatanatyam - is a 5000 year old Indian dance form that originated in the south of India.
How does it work?
These sessions are designed to learn a complete margam (course) as part of the Bharatanatyam curriculum. If you start at Grade 1, you will have completed a margam by grade 8 at which time you can decide if you want to pursue the arangetram (graduation) route, which requires additional specialized training.
Who all can join?
Anyone who is interested in learning this dance form are invited to join.
Children, both boys and girls can join as long as they can tell the difference between right and left.
Adults of all ages are welcome to join.
How do the classes work?
How often are there performances?
Expectations
Stay Connected for latest updates
Privacy Policy
Malini Sarma © 2021
Cookie Policy