Money Is Not Intimidating; It’s A Language, And Women Should Speak It Fluently

Money is often treated like a mysterious code meant for experts in suits or people who “just get numbers.” In truth, money is a language. It has its own grammar, vocabulary, and rhythm. Like any language, the more you use it, the more fluent you become. For years, money matters were often handed to men, creating the perception for many women that money was intimidating and best left to someone else. In truth, it is not hard to learn. With a little exposure and the willingness to get involved, it becomes second nature.

Women already make financial choices every day, from managing expenses to running businesses. The skills are there, but the confidence to step into bigger financial conversations is sometimes missing. In spaces where women are fewer, their voices can be overlooked. Speaking the language of money with clarity ensures that what they know is acknowledged, their perspectives valued, and they take an active role in shaping decisions for the future.

Women and Money

One of the most effective ways to strengthen this voice is through financial literacy. It does not mean learning complex formulas or turning into an investment expert overnight. At its core, financial fluency is about making sense of numbers, asking the right questions, and using that knowledge to shape better outcomes. Whether negotiating a raise, planning for the future, or making a big life change, it builds confidence in every decision.

Ways to build financial fluency

• Start with real-life scenarios. Use everyday situations, such as planning a holiday or comparing mobile plans, to practice budgeting by comparing costs and deciding what gives you the best value for your money.
• Track your money regularly. Keep a simple tracker of your income, expenses, and savings. Even a weekly review helps you spot patterns and make better decisions. At least once a year, review your bank accounts, insurance policies, and investments to ensure they still align with your goals. This habit builds long-term financial awareness.
• Experiment in small amounts. Try investing a modest sum in a mutual fund or fixed deposit, just to understand how returns and timelines work. Small, low-risk actions build comfort and curiosity.
• Learn through stories. Follow podcasts or YouTube channels of people who have grown wealth in different ways
• Find a mentor. Learn from someone who has navigated financial decisions successfully. 

From Arundhati Bhattacharya to Upasana Taku, there are countless examples of women across India showing what happens when financial fluency meets opportunity. Their stories remind us that when women step into financial conversations with confidence, they can shape decisions, inspire others, and spark change that goes beyond their own journeys.

Money does not belong to an exclusive group of people. It is a skill, a tool, and a language that anyone can learn. When women talk about money with confidence, the conversation changes. It becomes more open, the decisions made are stronger, and the benefits reach far beyond just those in the room. The next wave of progress, in every sphere of life, will be led by those who are ready to speak up, share their knowledge, and use their financial voice to create positive change.

Authored by Arunima Motiwala, Certified Public Accountant. Views expressed are the author's own.