SisterTableTalk™

Economic independence is not a single outcome; it’s a direction. By building awareness, stability, income potential, and credit knowledge, you now have the foundation needed to think forward with intention. This final step is about connecting what you’ve learned and identifying a path that aligns with your goals, values, and current season of life. Planning Without Pressure A plan does not need to be complex or rigid. It can be as simple as: identifying one financial priority for the next year selecting one area for growth or education committing to habits that support stability and progress Planning helps transform reflection into momentum. Education as a Long-Term Asset Continued learning, whether through certification, training, or workforce development, strengthens adaptability and resilience. Education remains one of the most reliable pathways to sustained economic mobility. Reflection: Looking Ahead Consider these guiding questions: What does economic independence me...

Credit often feels intimidating, but at its core, credit is simply a tool — one that can either limit or expand opportunity depending on how well it’s understood. Strengthening your credit isn’t about perfection or quick fixes; it’s about awareness, habits, and informed choices. For many women navigating economic transitions, credit challenges are not the result of poor decision-making, but of limited access, life disruptions, or financial survival choices. Understanding how credit works allows you to move forward with confidence instead of fear. Why Credit Knowledge Matters Credit impacts access to: housing transportation education and training employment opportunities lower-cost borrowing Improving credit literacy helps you better understand how decisions today influence opportunities tomorrow. Credit Is a Skill — Not a Score Rather than focusing only on a number, focus on credit behaviors, such as: paying obligations on time Understanding balances and limits reviewin...

Money is supposed to give us choices; the freedom to decide where we live, how we provide for our children, and what kind of future we build. However, for too many women, money becomes a tool of control rather than a means of independence. Financial abuse is one of the quietest forms of violence. You won’t see bruises or scars, but you’ll find fear written between the lines of bank statements, hidden credit cards, and years of lost confidence. At The SOFEI Group, we’ve met women who’ve been told, “You don’t need your own account,” or “Let me handle the money, you’ll only mess it up.” Those aren’t just words. They are barriers to freedom, and it is time to break the silence. What Financial Abuse Really Looks Like Financial abuse doesn’t always announce itself loudly. Sometimes, it hides behind love, protection, or the guise of “help.” But the signs are there. You’re not allowed to see the bills or log into the bank account. Your partner keeps you from working or takes your ...

Financial literacy is an economic empowerment mechanism for women and families vulnerable to the cycles of poverty. As an FDIC Money Smart Alliance Member, The SOFEI Group equips women and adults with resources and knowledge to help them make informed financial decisions to create their pathway to financial independence and stability. When women learn how to budget, save, manage debt, and invest, they will make informed financial decisions that will crush the growing trend and cycle of poverty that limits their economic mobility. Please visit Moneyed Women to learn more and share with women who want to take control of their financial futures.

Are you a woman of color striving for personal and professional growth? The SOFEI Group’s InFuseHer mentoring program offers a transformative journey to help women unlock their full potential, and here's why women should join: Why InFuseHer? InFuseHer addresses the unique challenges women of color experience, including underrepresentation in leadership roles and wage gaps. InFuseHer has the potential to empower women to overcome barriers to achieve their dreams. Program Highlights: Personalized Mentorship: Engage in weekly or monthly virtual meetings with dedicated mentors who guide you toward your goals. Goal Tracking: Utilize digital tools to measure and celebrate your progress. Community Support: Connect with a passionate network of women committed to your success. Free Participation: It is free to join, making it accessible for everyone. How It Works: Enroll: Complete the enrollment form to get started. Converse: Discuss your goals with a program coordinator...

During my undergraduate studies, I interviewed for an administrative assistant position, and one of my favorite courses was Business Law. My professor was impressed with how I briefed my cases and encouraged me to attend Law School. After the interview, I was excited to receive a verbal offer for the administrative assistant position, which I accepted with a follow-up acknowledgment letter; however, my excitement diminished when I received a confirmation letter with a starting salary less than the original offer I had agreed to. My Business Law course was intricate in helping me understand the roles of an Offeror and an Offeree. Recognizing and understanding these roles is not just a matter of legal semantics; it's the foundation of strong, enforceable, and mutually beneficial agreements. When an Offeror submits an offer to an Offeree (e.g., services, products, or a partnership) verbally or contractually, the Offeree can accept, reject, or modify the conditions of the contrac...

April is National Financial Literacy Month - a time to celebrate and raise awareness about the importance of financial literacy and encourage people to develop smart money management habits. Recent surveys revealed many adults lack basic financial knowledge (e.g., budgeting and saving to understanding credit and investing) which leads to financial challenges. But there's good news! As an Alliance Member with The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), The SOFEI Group contributes to delivering (i.e., training and teaching) Money Smart - a comprehensive program for consumers and small businesses. Money Smart offers free, high-quality financial education materials for people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting your financial journey, Money Smart has something for everyone, and here's how to make the most of it during National Financial Literacy Month: Explore Interactive Modules: Dive into a treasure trove of interac...