Blogs > This International Men’s Day let’s #BreakAcceptGrow
This International Men’s Day let’s #BreakAcceptGrow
On the 19th of November, International Men's Day is celebrated all over the world. The occasion is set apart to help address some of the issues men face in society. It was founded in 1992 by Thomas Oaster, a men's rights advocate who sought to draw men's attention not to their strengths but to their weaknesses as well. It also seeks to bring awareness to gender inequalities, social discrimination, and stereotyping that men suffer. And while a lot has changed since its inception, there are still serious gender disparities that need attention.
On this international day for men, we salute the spirit of all men and their contribution to society. However, it's not just a day of celebration but also a reminder of many things men aren’t solely responsible for. For some time now, there have been discussions about the financial security of men. Often, it’s seen that men are always paying bills, they are the sole breadwinners for the family, and they are the ones who face the brunt of financial stress.
No matter what your gender is, we all want to make good financial decisions to provide for our families and live our lives to the fullest. However, the "man up" culture often applies extra pressure on men when it comes to finances. This shouldn’t be the case. In a society where we emphasis so much on equality and empowerment, isn’t it time to address the financial issues that men all over the world face? So, this International Men’s Day let’s
#BREAK the Stereotypes:
There's a common stereotype that men should only be responsible for providing for the family, while women should be the ones taking care of the house. But there are many ways to successfully approach a dual-income household and many people are happily breaking the aforementioned stereotype.
In addition to sharing household duties, it's important to share financial responsibilities with your partner. Whether you decide to keep accounts separate or combine them, couples need to discuss how each person's income will be used and whether each person will pay for certain expenses or not, such as rent and groceries.
The best way to break the above stereotype is simply by talking about it. Just have a conversation about what works best for you and your partner.
#ACCEPT the Change
We're all part of a new generation that's moving away from traditional gender roles and setting new standards for the way we live our lives. The idea that women are incapable of managing their own money has been almost eliminated. Women are more educated than ever before, and they are generally on equal footing with men when it comes to employment and pay. Sure, there is still room for improvement, but in general, women should be able to take on financial responsibility just as well as a man can.
When you say, "I'll handle the finances," you're perpetuating the notion that women are not capable of being financially responsible. So, it’s time to disregard this notion and accept the change. It’s time to acknowledge that women can prove to be great when it comes to managing financial responsibilities.
#Grow as a Financially Healthy Individual
It is a great goal to have, but how do you get there? Start by learning about yourself and your habits.
- Do you pay your bills on time?
- Do you regularly save money?
- Do you know what all your monthly expenses are?
- Are you spending more than you earn?
- How much do you spend on entertainment, eating out, shopping, etc.?
Once you have a better understanding of how you're spending your money, it will be easier to start making better choices and work towards your financial goals.
How can both men and women lessen the financial burden on themselves?
Whether you're a man or a woman, there's no denying that the financial strain can feel a bit overwhelming. If you're trying to balance your budget and make ends meet, it may seem like an unreachable goal. But it's not hopeless! There are plenty of ways to lessen the burden on yourself financially by making smart decisions about your spending, regardless of your gender.
- Track your spends
- Set a monthly budget and stick to it
- Use credit cards to pay for utility bills as they come with great discount/cashback offers and reward points
- Keep a tab on your CIBIL Report
- Always keep an open mind and discuss finances transparently
Bottom Line:
It is high time everyone started learning how to better handle their finances. For those men out there looking to break the cycle of bad financial decisions, there are a few simple steps that you can take. Start by tracking your income and expenses, so you know where your money is going. Doing this will tell you if you have areas in which you need to cut back (for example, if you're spending too much on takeout or Netflix). Once you know where your money is going, sit down and talk about finances with your significant other. Set up a plan for both of your financial futures together, making sure to include decisions like whether to get a joint credit card or not. Embracing these ideals will help improve your finances—and quite possibly your relationships—every day of the year.
