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written by Laura. , September 08, 2009

when i think of how much i could earn, $50,000-$75,000 sounds like a huge amount--it's much more than my parents made, and i don't know if i can even fathom what i would do with that amount of money, let alone more. reflecting on this, i do not see this as coming from a place of feeling unworthy of making more, rather from figuring out what i need to live and working on making that amount. i greatly value simplicity, and don't see any reason to make exponentially more money than i need to live. i doubt i am alone in this perspective. have you heard anything else along these lines?

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written by Stacy , September 08, 2009

Laura - I don't see the need to make exponentially more than I need to live - but I need to make more than $75,000. I have very little debt beyond my mortgage for a small house and my student loans, and I can barely manage to pay those, my monthly utilities, and put food on the table with the $62,000 that I do make. I'd like enough to not have to worry about taking my dog to the vet if he is sick or a necessary dental bill.

Simplicity is great...I have pared down my life a lot in order to afford a home of my own. I do my own work on the house, grow a lot of my own food, work on decreasing my energy usage, recycle, reuse, and work hard to live within this amount of money. Many times where you live is your biggest bill - and I couldn't imagine anywhere but Boston ;)

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written by Amanda (DW Founder) , September 09, 2009

Perhaps I strive to be wealthier than your average Jane (poll idea for DailyWorth!), and I have my reasons. My shopping habit aside, I dream of being a philanthropist and working on global women's issues and so having many, many millions to play with would only add to the value I might be able to bring. I really do believe anything is possible, so why not create fantastically wild dreams for yourself? Again, perhaps just my personality, but it can't hurt. Finally, having lived in Manhattan for 12 years surrounded by peers bringing in gobs and gobs of money, I've experienced a taste of the fun and adventure money affords. If I can some how work my way into my own wealth (ahem, "when"), I'm hoping to combine a life of philanthropy and adventure that I know real wealth would fully enable. So, that's just my personal 2 cents, not as a DailyWorth writer -- just as me, Amanda.

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written by Denise Hughes, Financial Consultant , September 09, 2009

I think the major reasons women tend to "aim low" with earning has to do with self worth, not knowing how to hold a big vision for themselves (although being able to hold this for others), along with limiting mindsets. Money is energy and it is important to observe how it flows in our lives and where it gets blocked up. Women, being better givers (in general) than receivers, may have thinking blocks to bring more money in. I know this is something I am constantly working on myself, thinking bigger and bigger and being able to energetically hold a more expansive space for myself without practicing limiting behaviors! Great comments, thanks everyone! Denise

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written by Laura. , September 09, 2009

those are all really good thoughts--it does make sense that location has an impact on how much it takes to live, and how much those around you are making. and i totally agree that giving money away and having adventures are really appealing--and good reasons to have money! i could definitely use some help unblocking my influx of money (since currently there is none! ha!). how do i turn my high aim into hitting the target? am i just being impatient, or are there things i can do to get that money rolling in?

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written by mia , September 09, 2009

As a long-standing fan of DW--and a woman who has underestimated herself financially as well--the issue isn't just self-worth or esteem. It's that women need to take their own financial needs more seriously, as I wrote here:

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/CollegeAndFamily/LoveAndMoney/time-to-take-money-seriously-gals.aspx

And believe me, I write from experience. Why do we need to aim higher and earn more? Because we need to take care of ourselves, and we want to live well, and we deserve to do so--and we can't count on anyone else to make that happen.

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written by Amber , September 09, 2009

I think this is such an interesting question. How much money do I want to make? As a partner to a frugal person and as an emerging creative arts businesswoman, I have thoroughly analyzed my financial needs. I have a budget, a marketing plan, a strategic plan...you get the idea. I have emotional goals and creative goals, but my monetary goals are murkier. My wearable art is something I love and is well-received. I am confident in my burgeoning abilities as a businesswoman. I just want a realistic vision of what it is possible for me to earn doing what I love while not burning myself out. Is there a formula for this? :)

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written by karishma daswani , September 10, 2009

Very Interesting comments & yes i do think women are better givers than receivers & our social structure being such we tend to think that earning 'big money' is mostly for men while smaller/medium ways to get to a certain acceptable level of income is fine for us. We tend to get bogged down by other issues be it home/family/social responsibilities & are not wholly focussed on 'just earning money' as men are...even if they think of contributing to family it is usually monetarily 1st...so the mindset leads to efforts accordingly.
I love this simple website which is so thought provoking. I too am concentrating on simplicity for my Human Resource website www.karishmadaswani.com
Thankyou all you wonderful people

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written by Paula , September 10, 2009

I'm relatively new to the freelance game and am now contmplating how to grow. My question in this arena is whether to sell my services to customers who can afford to pay more (i.e. maximize earnings, which could be seen as "selfish") or target customers who really need my services but can't afford to pay as much (i.e. fulfill my need to be of service and accomplish something good, which could be seen as "altruistic".) I know, I know, there must be a way to strike a balance, right?

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written by Amanda (DW Founder) , September 10, 2009

@Paula, *please* don't see your desire to maximize earnings as selfish! Let's use an airplane metaphor. When you take a plane, the attendants always say: "Moms with kids, in case of an emergency, put your oxygen mask on yourself before you place it on your child." In other words, you have to care for yourself in order to care for others. So please, I implore you, build a sound business with clients who can afford your services, and then determine how much you can help customers who need you. In the end, you'll be far more useful to others in need if you're taking care of yourself. There's nothing selfish about maximizing your wealth. Consider it your responsibility. If you missed its reference above -- check out Mia's article about the subject:
http://articles.moneycentral.m...gals.aspx
. Thanks for asking this great question! It's at the core of why I founded DailyWorth.

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written by sarah seidelmann , September 10, 2009

WOW! Love this conversation- whay do we as women fel sheepish about wanting the MOON and more when it comes to finances- is it that good girls can't want money? I love the oxygen mask analogy- Think of the lives we could save if we were wealthy through our businesses- we could help exponentially. Welath also provides freedom to follow dreams and give your time away! Thanks Sarah

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written by Manisha Thakor , September 10, 2009

Amanda - YES!!! Thank you so much for highlighting this vital issue. There is a fine business line for both men and women between being confident and being arrogant in "setting your pricing." But for far too long, far too many of us ladies have been on the wrong of that line. If you are adding value - you should be fairly compensated as such. Here's to women encouraging each other to both dream big and to expect fair pay for fair work. Right now we live longer, earn less, and spend more time out of the paid workforce caring for children and aging parents than do men... so it's extra important that we not aim low!

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written by noclue , September 15, 2009

I am making almost twice the amount I imagined would be my ultimate goal (when I was in my 20's). Yet, either because of inflation, or because of the increase in COL, or who knows why, the amount still isn't enough for me to fee comfortable. I still have to watch what I spend, consider each purchase, clip coupons, etc.

Could I make more than I do now? Maybe
Could I work harder than I do now? Maybe
Do I want to? Absolutely not - there has to be a point where "enough is enough"

At this point I've put aside the thought that I might one day become independently wealthy. If it happens, and I can retire, then, great. If it doesn't, and I have to work until I die, then so be it. Enough is enough.