Foster Group recently launched a new initiative called “Invested in Women”, the mission is simple: to encourage women to lead financially confident lives.
Invested in Women will provide opportunities for financial education, solutions, and connections in a variety of formats. In early October, we’ll be hosting our first book club and discussing the book, “Well Aged,” by Ralph Milton.
I was introduced to the book by my mom, who identified it as something I might enjoy. She inspired my love of reading, and we frequently swap books. I tell myself that the “nudge” had nothing to do with what my teenagers call, “old lady vibes.” In case you are wondering, “old lady vibes” include bird watching, nurturing houseplants, love of public libraries, and a general feeling that the music is always too loud. If this sounds like you, then you might find some kindred spirits at our Well Read book club, and I think there is an above average chance you’d enjoy Well Aged, as much as I did.
Well Aged is a book about happiness in the “platinum years”.
Milton defines the platinum years as the period of life after age 80+. He wrote the book, along with a very diverse group of fellow 80+ers, for those who are in the same demographic but also for the people who love them. The book explores everything from home and housing, to health, food and friendship, and leaving a legacy. I found myself highlighting many sections and impacted by observations in the book, and I laughed a lot.
The book made me think a lot about how I can best be a daughter to parents who are approaching their platinum years. It also made me think about the ways I am, and am not, caring for the other seniors in my life. Since I’ve finished Well Aged, I’ve found myself not only doubling down on some of my “old lady vibes,” but also thinking more and more about aging and what the next season of life will look like for me. For what it’s worth, I’ve determined that “old lady vibes” simply means being my authentic self.
The themes in the book touch many of us; Am I valued only for what I can produce or achieve? How do I let go of expectations and embrace authenticity?, What will friendship and community look like in the next season? At the Well Read book club on October 8th ,we’ll spend time in small groups discussing the parts of the book that might have resonated with each of us. We’ll have questions to get the conversations started and hope the discussion helps you find meaningful ways to connect with women like you.
If you’re asking yourself why we selected a book on aging rather than something financially focused, that’s a fair question. Our selection was intentional. A recent study revealed that around 53% of women feel confident managing their investments, and less than 46% feel they have influence on investment related decisions. Statistically, women tend to outlive men, and around 94% of women will be the primary financial decision makers at some point in their lives. Research also tells us that many women are hesitant to talk about money and health/aging.
Foster Group women leading Invested in Women want to help change that.
Our goal is to build a community where it is not only normal, but celebrated to talk about finances, planning for the future, and aging into different seasons. Who knows, maybe you’ll even find a new friend who enjoys discussion about LeCreuset and Staub, has a firm and early bedtime, and has a strong opinion on throw blankets (I check all three of these boxes. More old lady vibes?).
We hope that Invested in Women, through content and events like this, will help build your sense of confidence and community. If you’re interested in joining us on October 8th, send me an email. I’ll get you a complimentary copy of the book and details about the event.
