Simply put, answer the question, "Could you support yourself if you had to?" Where would your income come from and could you maintain a comfortable and acceptable lifestyle if your spouse, employment situation or field of interest simply disappeared? These are questions that middle-aged women, in particular, must ask themselves.
As twenty somethings, middle-aged women of today may have followed a path that led them to college and a job that was secure and well-paid. On the other hand, women of the same era may have opted to become stay at home moms. Middle-aged women who have fulfilled their dream of raising kids may have particular difficulty acquiring an income, should the need arise.
SOLUTION: Never stop growing.
The stone-cold fact is that middle-aged women need to have a plan for their financial security. Even if a spouse has arranged for his wife to receive life insurance benefits after his death, the payment amount may not be enough to handle ever-increasing expenses. Additionally, do not forget that infidelity or divorce can change everything at the drop of a hat.
As a result, middle-aged women need to continue to grow throughout their middle-life years and keep growing. Take classes that give you "certified" status in a field so that you will be considered a master of a marketable skill. Master Gardener programs are available through county extension offices for those who enjoy the outdoors, while community colleges offer certificates for dental assistants, doctor's office assistants and legal assistants.
Beef up, ladies, because in case the unthinkable happens, you need to be ready to hit the road well-prepared and marketable.
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