Authors of Financial Books for Women
Barbara Lee
Author of The Financially Independent Woman
- What led you to write this book?
I wrote the book because women have been asking me the same questions for the 27 years I’ve been a stockbroker. I thought if I used case studies women could identify themselves at various times of their lives – financial, personal and professional – and keep coming back to the book to find the answers to their specific questions at that time.
- What do you feel to be the biggest challenge facing women today when handling their finances?
The biggest challenges are inertia and intimidation.
- How has the atmosphere changed for women investors in the last 10 years?
I don’t think the atmosphere has changed that much but women are making more money these days, many of them will never marry, and they realize they MUST make financial decisions for themselves.
- How will the atmosphere change for women investors in the next 10 years?
The atmosphere will only be different in years to come if the education needs for new and less sophisticated women investors continue and are augmented.
- Where did you start your career and how did it lead you to where you are today?
I didn’t study finance or economics in school but I knew about the stock market from my father from probably age 8. In fact I was a Biblical History major in college and have a totally liberal arts background – which proves that one need not be a math major to be a good investor. I became a stockbroker once my daughter was old enough to be in school part of the day and I’ve never left the field.
- How much money do you need to start investing?
If you don’t have an IRA, that should be your first investment and that means $4000. I don’t like to set minimums otherwise because I don’t like to turn new investors off. As soon as you can start and maintain a disciplined savings plan, you may think about an investment program.
- How should a woman get started investing with no investment experience?
Attend an adult education course if one is available where you live. Go to seminars put on by financial institutions. Perhaps join an investment club. Read, read, read – newspapers, magazines, basic investing books.
- If a woman has debt, at what point should she become an investor?
No one who is in debt should be an investor. The only acceptable kinds of debt are student loans and house mortgages.
- Have you published any other books before this one? If so, what are they?
This is my third book. The previous two are no longer in print but might be at libraries.
The Woman’s Guide To The Stock Market
Take Control of Your Money - What are your future book writing plans?
I have no book writing plans currently. I am focusing on website and radio activities.