A better quality of life is possible with the right knowledge of money and finances. That is the premise for roundtable discussion hosted by the Financial Education Network (FEN) geared towards helping women improve their financial savvy to be held on Thursday, November 15, from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m.

Newly established Chairperson of FEN, Mrs. Karia Christopher said, “‘Women and Money’ and ‘Financial Abuse’ are the hot topics that will be discussed during the lunchtime session. These topics are timely and need to be discussed openly if we are to see any change in the lives of the women in our community.” She added, “The transformative information exchange will also help shape a new mind-set for making wiser financial decisions.”

Under the umbrella of ‘Financial Abuse’ there will be dialog on Hindered Access, Theft, Threats, Intimidation, Neglect of elderly or others to access or control their money and assets; and Abuse of Powers of Attorney.

On the topic of ‘Women and Money’ discussions will focus on how women manage their money in the midst of priorities such as Securing Comfortable Housing for Family, Assisting Aging Parents and other family members, Contributing to Charitable Causes, and Maintaining Acceptable Cosmetic Upkeep.

Professionals in law, finance, social and gender affairs will be on hand to answer questions and give advice about how to better handle matters related to these topics.

Vice-Chairperson of FEN, Ms. Desiree Smith said, “A less stressful life is possible when you know that you have taken the right steps towards preserving your retirement wealth; something which is best achieved through effective financial literacy programmes about money and finances.”

There will be a live stream of this session on Facebook @MoneyMattersBVI. The public is encouraged to tune in and join in the conversation, and receive ideas that can help steer them in a more financially responsible direction.

The Lunch & Learn event is sponsored by National Bank of the Virgin Islands and Popular Inc.

NOTES:

Director of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs, Mrs. Karia Christopher and Chief Information Officer for the Department of Information and Public Relations, Ms. Desiree Smith are the current Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, respectively, of FEN. They were established in their positions in July 2018.

FEN is the community stakeholder organisation that works with MONEY MATTERS BVI (the financial literacy programme at Financial Services Commission to help engage BVI residents and encourage financial well-being in line with their long term goals).