Run the World (Girls)

If this were not a leap year, today would be the first day of March, which is also Women’s History Month. In the past, I have hosted, Women’s Power Wednesdays throughout March on my blog; but this year I decided to do one big women’s power post to kick off the month (albeit a day early).Growing up, my mom always convinced me that I could accomplish anything. I can’t compare my experience to other women, but I know that her belief in me was a large driver in the successes I’ve had and the risks I’ve taken along the way. For high school, she insisted that I attend an all-girl’s school, and the first few weeks of not knowing anyone almost convinced me to throw in the towel, but I’m glad I continued to tough it out.Those four years of high school instilled a confidence and belief in myself that I can’t imagine would have happened in any other location. I learned to speak my mind without fear and take risks knowing that it was all for a greater purpose; and I continued that path in college and ultimately through my career in the heavily male-dominated profession of financial services.

Looking for Strong Women in All the Wrong Places

As I have grown personally and professionally, I am assured of the undeniable power of women and I truly believe Beyonce when she says girls run the world or at least that they could run the world if they could leave the drama out of the equation. My career was sabotaged more than a few times by women, and it’s sad to me that it’s been the male leaders and mentors in my life who pushed me to achieve more.It wasn’t until I started blogging, that I connected with a supportive group of women. With a blog title of Financially Blonde, I think very few men wanted to be associated with my blog; however, I didn’t really need them thanks to my female tribe.My female blog friends have supported me for almost three years now in all areas of my life whether it was launching my book, losing a big work opportunity, releasing my podcast, celebrating the launch of my company or just going through the ups and downs of life. My blog friends, who are also my real life friends, could absolutely run this world and make it a better place; and if you’re not supporting them and their efforts already, I hope you do.

Shannon Ryan – The Heavy Purse

Shannon has been out of the blog space for a few months now, but I hope she returns soon. Other than sharing my name and love for blonde hair and financial planning, Shannon was the first blogger to comment on my blog and she consistently commented when no one else did. As any blogger knows, blog commenters are our life blood and we never forget our first because they convince us to keep doing what we’re doing.

Melanie – Dear Debt

I remember when Melanie reached out to me to have a spotlight on her blog, I felt so honored that she wanted to feature me; and then when I read what she wrote about me, it blew me away. Since then, Melanie has become a dear IRL (in real life) friend that I confide in for just about anything. She is the greatest roommate you can ask for and she has seen me through some of my worst emotions, and picks me up with honest and loving conversations when I need them. I was thrilled that she joined the happy hour podcasts because she never disappoints me with her insights and drink choices. She recently paid off her student loan debt and is focused on helping others who are fighting the student loan debt fight. She inspires me daily; and I am truly thankful and blessed to call her friend.

Tonya – Budget and the Beach

I found Tonya’s blog a few years ago through one of my Women’s Power Wednesday challenges because so many bloggers mentioned her; and I was so glad that I did because Tonya, like me, blogs about more than just money but the emotions that drive our financial situations. I think I connect with her because we both believe in the power of positivity and life coaching. Tonya has since become an integral part of my podcast and has even allowed me to work with her as her financial coach. It’s hard to open your financial situation to someone, especially a friend, and I'm honored that she's trusted me to join her on her financial journey.

Mrs. Frugalwoods – Frugalwoods

I met Mrs. Frugalwoods online a few years ago; and I was thankful that she and Mr. Frugalwoods joined me on my podcast. To this date, their podcast is my number one downloaded episode. However, it’s not the podcast relationship that means something to me (although, I love that she is part of the happy hours and has been through her pregnancy and post-pregnancy mommy life), it’s the fact that we connected offline a while back. Mrs. Frugalwoods trusted me to share her fertility struggles and I was honored to be one of the first people who knew about Babywoods before the world did. The Frugalwoods continue to inspire and motivate me in my own financial journey and I feel fortunate to call them friends.

Kim – Eyes on the Dollar

Kim is another female blogger that I met through a Women’s Power Wednesday challenge as many people followed her. I instantly connected with her past struggles of overspending and the challenges she faces/faced as an entrepreneur, wife and mother. I’m not sure if it’s because we both have only children near the same age, but I frequently find myself connecting with her stories of making the right choices as a parent and as a career woman. Kim is another constant blog supporter whose support and wisdom mean a great deal to me.

Holly – Club Thrifty

Holly has always been a great commenting/blog friend; however, in the last few months, she has really transcended that friendship and become a core part of my team where I refer clients to her for their travel dreams and she helps them make it a reality. I love when I can refer clients someplace and I always get great feedback after the fact. Not to mention the fact that Holly always reaches out to me when she needs an expert’s opinion and uses what I have to say when she can. Her articles have made a huge difference in growing my business.

Mel – Broke Girl Rich

Mel and I started blogging around the same time and connected because of our common bond of living in the New York area. What I love about her and her story is that it’s truly unique; and her writing style always entertains me. I loved that she joined the podcast to talk about her unique career path and approach to life.

Erin – Journey to Saving

You can’t really find Erin on her blog much any more, but she's thankfully still out there writing and growing her own career, which includes the recently launched podcast Financial Conversation. I have watched Erin’s journey for years now; and I feel like a proud parent who has watched her child take big risks and get great results. I will never forget when I reached out to her to be my VA and I offered her less money than she wanted to take and despite the fact that it cost me more, I loved that she stood up for what’s she’s worth even though we are friends. I admire and salute that kind of strength in a woman.

Kate – Cashville Skyline

One of the many things I’ve loved about aging is that I have the opportunity to become a mentor to younger women; however, as I’ve shared with others, mentoring is only great if the women/men you mentor take your advice. Kate is one of those people who has come to me casually for advice, and yet anytime we have chatted, I feel as though she has taken my advice and made changes around it. We also recorded an awesome podcast that I plan to release this month!

Hannah – Unplanned Finance

Hannah is one of my most favorite kind of gals, despite the fact that I don’t always have the time to support her and her site, she always supports me. Hannah is probably the best twitter supporter I have ever met and every time she shares a tweet or comment it means the world to me. I always think that I need to reach out to her more, but life gets in the way. I hope that she knows I always send positive thoughts her way despite the fact that my energy might take me in a different direction.There are plenty of other women who are trying to run the world out there, and I support their efforts as well. Here are a number of others that you can find and support, Tiffany Aliche, Stefanie O’Connell, Catherine Alford, Michelle @ Making Sense of Cents, Stephanie Halligan, Tonya Rapley, Carrie @ Careful Cents, Erin Lowry, Paula Pant and Abigail Perry.

What women would you vote for to run the world?

Music Mondays - Run the World (Girls)