When Women Achieve Financial Independence, They Gain the Power to Choose Over Their Own Destiny

By: Ellie Burgueno, Journalist and Writer.

This March, as we commemorate International Women’s Day and celebrate Women’s History Month, we cannot help but feel proud of who we are and the roles we play in society. Being a woman comes with many rewards, but it also brings challenges, responsibilities, and sometimes overwhelming expectations.

Women often face constant scrutiny. We hear opinions about whether we are too thin or too heavy, whether we are good mothers or not, whether our ambition is excessive or acceptable. Some say we work too much, aspire too much, or neglect what others consider important. We are judged on whether our homes are in order, whether our children are well raised, whether we manage our finances properly, and even whether we look young, tired, or well cared for.

And yet, beyond all of this, many women carry the responsibility of running businesses, leading organizations, or holding important roles in companies and government institutions. Rather than discouraging us, these realities have taught us something powerful: resilience.

Most women can testify that life has strengthened us. We have learned to face adversity head-on and to take control of our circumstances. As the saying goes, a woman is capable of anything. All she needs is to believe that she can. Sometimes what we need is simply a moment to pause—to cry a little, sleep for a full day, take a short trip, or watch a movie. But after that pause, we return stronger, clearer, and more focused on our purpose and our goals.

However, life cannot be reduced to superficial things. True abundance is not measured by a large bank account, a luxury home, or the newest car. Real wealth lies in something far deeper: the ability to find happiness without needing much. It is the peace of enjoying a gentle breeze on a quiet afternoon, appreciating the simple moments that later become treasured memories.

It is also about recognizing the precious time we have with our children while they are still young. They grow quickly, and tomorrow we do not know where life will take them or whether they will remain close to us. These moments, small yet profound, are among life’s greatest gifts.

Perhaps this is also a good moment to stop worrying so much about how others see us and start thinking more about how we see ourselves. At the end of the day, plastic surgeons build fortunes largely on one human trait: vanity and the desire to capture the attention of others. For women, this often translates into the pressure to attract approval, especially from men. Yet we sometimes overlook what matters most—our health and well-being.

Instead of seeking quick external solutions, perhaps what we truly need is greater discipline: exercising more regularly, caring for our bodies, and making choices that strengthen us physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Many of us have also made mistakes in relationships. Sometimes we gave too many chances, believing people could change. Instead, some took advantage of our trust in cruel or selfish ways, without remorse. Perhaps we once believed deeply and were disappointed.

But even those painful experiences carry lessons. They transform us. They shape us into independent, self-sufficient women. In some cases, former partners who once underestimated us now see our strength and independence with resentment. Yet even that is something we can overcome, because everything in life eventually passes—even the darkest night. In that truth, I have faith.

Today, I choose to focus on the small but meaningful things that can brighten our lives instantly: a cup of coffee with a good friend, a heartfelt conversation with a sister, visiting and supporting those in need with clothing or items we no longer use, or simply taking a short weekend trip to the ocean.

At the end of the day, being alive is already a tremendous gift and blessing. But having the opportunity to do what we love and truly enjoy it—that is a dream come true.

Another important step toward empowerment is building financial independence. This does not happen overnight, but it begins with a strategic mindset. Women can start by diversifying their sources of income—developing a small side business, investing in skills that increase earning potential, creating digital projects, exploring consulting opportunities, or learning about basic investments and savings strategies. Today there are more resources available than ever before: online courses, mentorship networks, financial literacy programs, and platforms that allow women to turn their talents into sustainable income streams. Financial independence does not only mean having money—it means having options, security, and the freedom to make decisions about your life without fear or dependency.

For those who want to explore this topic more deeply and begin transforming their relationship with money, I invite you to read my latest book on women’s personal finance, available now on Amazon. In it, I share practical insights and powerful mindset shifts designed to help women think bigger, build financial confidence, and create the economic independence they deserve.

I would like to congratulate every woman reading this—young or mature, students or entrepreneurs, married or single. To each of you, I ask only one thing: never stop dreaming.

If someone along the way tells you that your dreams are too big or unrealistic, do not listen. The most important decision is the one you make within yourself—what you choose to believe and how much faith you have in your ability to achieve your dreams.

Remember that it is never too late to become everything you once dreamed of being. And if you are still waiting for a prince to arrive, for someone to rescue you, or for someone to tell you that you can succeed—stop waiting.

Become the heroine of your own story.

I once waited too. Until the day I realized that only I had the power to turn my dreams into reality. And here I am, moving forward one day at a time.

Never stop dreaming. And never be afraid to dream big.