Ann Gookin
Managing Director, Head of Investments
“As women, when we empower ourselves financially, we create security for ourselves and our loved ones. So, let’s embrace this opportunity to learn, grow, and take charge of our financial futures.”
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re showcasing some of the inspiring talent at Freestone. By highlighting the successes of powerful women and asking them to share their wisdom, we hope to empower women to not only enter the financial services industry, but to excel.
Ann Gookin is the managing director of the firm’s investment team, in which capacity she oversees the team’s daily operational functions. She is also responsible for the recruiting and marketing functions at Freestone. Prior to joining Freestone in 2016, Ann spent her career in business operations and strategy roles, the bulk of which was spent with the D. E. Shaw group in New York and in London.
Ann presents a fresh take on women’s financial literacy in this piece. She hopes to encourage more women to take charge of their assets by comparing finances to self-care, a topic all women can relate to.
How can financial literacy empower women?
If you were to open my medicine cabinet, you’d find at least a dozen different bottles of facial serums, lotions, and potions. I can tell you what each one does, their key ingredients, and why I recommend them to my friends as we happily discuss the contents of our medicine cabinets and delight in sharing new discoveries with each other.
And yet…
We spend almost no time talking about our monthly budgets. Or our 401k plans. Or if we’re saving enough for retirement. (How much is “enough,” anyway?)Is there anything more relevant to our lives yet less discussed than personal finance? Why is it we have no problem debating peptides and enzymes and lymphatic drainage, yet we freeze up at FICO score? Why is personal finance so…personal?
I understand how paralyzing personal finance can seem. It’s a common feeling, this sense of dread when facing our finances, compounded by the fear of making mistakes. Many women would rather allow their partners to manage their finances than learn the overwhelming intricacies of money management.But here’s the reality: Most women will outlive their husbands. At some point in the future, ladies, you’ll likely have to manage your financial future whether you like it or not.
So how do we begin to tackle this, especially when the mere thought of finances can feel overwhelming? Let me share some practical steps that have helped me and many women I know to start on the path of financial empowerment:
Make a Budget Date with Your Money: Build your foundation by understanding where your money is going each month. It doesn’t have to be complicated. It can start as simply as writing everything you spend in a notebook for one month. I know this can seem terrifying, but I promise you’ll be empowered by the sense of control you gain by understanding what you’re spending. When you stop hiding from your money, you build a relationship with it!
Educate Yourself: Spend some time each week reading about financial topics, whether it’s investment basics, how to save for retirement, or understanding credit. Freestone’s wealth planning team has pulled together some great resources for various levels of expertise on our blog!
Let Freestone Help: As a Freestone client, you have an entire team of folks who are passionate about helping you learn. We can provide personalized advice based on your financial situation and goals. We’re here to be a partner in your journey to financial literacy and empowerment.
As women, when we empower ourselves financially, we create security for ourselves and our loved ones. So, let’s embrace this opportunity to learn, grow, and take charge of our financial futures. If we can handle the complexities of antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and botanical agents, we can tackle a deep dive on personal finance. Happy Women’s History Month, and here’s to our empowerment, one financial decision at a time.