Breaking Money Barriers: Empowering Women's Health and Financial Wellness
"I'll start taking better care of myself when..." How many times have you finished that sentence with "when I have more money"? You're not alone. While we talk about healthy eating, consistent exercise, and mental wellness at Go Long, there's an elephant in the room: money stress is keeping too many women from investing in their wellbeing. We touched upon an underrated money stressor a couple of weeks ago when talking about disaster preparedness.
That stops now.
Remember a couple of weeks ago when we talked about disaster preparedness? That conversation opened a flood of messages from you about financial concerns. Today, I'm thrilled to introduce you to someone who's about to change the game for our community. Meet Dr. Barb Provost, founder of Purse Strings – and yes, she's as no-nonsense as her name suggests.
Together with her partner Maggie Nielsen, they've built something special – a BS-free zone where women get straight answers about money. If you've followed Go Long for more than a minute, you know we love straight talk – their podcast is literally called "Money and the Shit We Don't Talk About".
Why This Matters Right Now
Health and wealth are more connected than ever
Women are outliving their partners by 5+ years (hello, retirement planning)
Women are typically juggling careers while caring for both kids and parents
Healthcare costs are skyrocketing
Traditional financial advice often misses what women actually need
The Power of Community and Consciousness
Here's the thing: the world needs us now more than ever. Us—the women who build, nurture, and sustain. As we step into 2025, two words rise up like a quiet anthem: community and consciousness. They're not just ideas; they're lifelines. Together, we can support each other through the complexities of life—whether it's health, wealth, or the spaces in between. Consciousness gives us the power to make intentional choices that align with our values.
Your Partner in Financial Empowerment
Purse Strings isn't just a resource; it's a movement. A gathering space for women to reclaim control over their finances and build futures they can trust. Women face unique challenges when it comes to money—longer lifespans, career breaks for caregiving, and a persistent pay gap. But these challenges don't have to define us.
Our network is made up of financial professionals who get it. They're not here to push products or deliver cookie-cutter solutions. Instead, they offer thoughtful, tailored guidance designed to meet women where they are.
Here's What's Coming — Thanks to Purse Strings, we're bringing in experts who will tackle your biggest money headaches:
College admissions and financial aid counseling
Rebuilding your credit after life's curveballs
Property insurance decoded (Spoiler: you probably need more coverage)
Your Weekly Money Date: Every Thursday at 11AM Central, join our virtual Money Talks. These aren't your typical snooze-fest financial seminars – they're interactive sessions where no question is too basic and no topic is off-limits.
Bridging Health and Wealth
We're thrilled to partner with communities like Go Long, which is redefining how women approach aging. While Go Long focuses on thriving in health, Purse Strings complements that mission by addressing financial wellness. After all, health and wealth are deeply intertwined. Through our partnership, we'll tackle topics like:
Healthcare planning for different life stages
How to find a financial planner and understanding different fee structures
Building an emergency fund that actually works
Planning for long-term care and wellness goals
What's On Your Mind? Tell us what's keeping you up at night:
Juggling caregiving costs for both kids and parents?
Making your retirement savings last?
Aligning your investments with your values?
Planning for healthcare expenses?
Your questions shape our topics, so don't hold back.
Some Thoughts From Go Long
As I was building Go Long, one truth kept surfacing: financial stress is often the invisible barrier between women and their wellness goals. When you're worried about money, it's harder to prioritize that gym membership, spring for healthier food options, or invest in preventive healthcare. I've seen too many women skip their annual check-ups or postpone addressing health concerns because of financial pressures.
Barb and Maggie get that financial wellness isn't just about numbers – it's about creating the foundation that allows women to truly invest in themselves. I love their no-bullshit approach to helping women live their best lives, no matter what stage they're at.
Together, we can support each other through the complexities of life—whether it's health, wealth, or the spaces in between.
Just as it's never too late to invest in your health, it's never too late to take charge of your financial well-being. Women often hear, "If only you'd started sooner." But at Purse Strings, they are calling BS on the notion that it's ever too late to begin. Every small step—whether it's creating a budget, understanding your investments, or simply asking the right questions—is progress toward a more balanced, healthier life.Just as it's never too late to invest in your health, it's never too late to take charge of your financial well-being.
Life evolves. The roles we play shift with time, often bringing uncertainty. But with these shifts come opportunities for transformation. Whether it's embracing aging with grace, navigating health challenges, or taking control of our financial futures, we don't have to go it alone. There's strength in community, especially when that community empowers women to thrive in health and finances. That's where Purse Strings steps in.
Have questions about specific personal finance topics? DM me or drop them in the comments below.
