We asked some Boomer women to reflect on what they know now that they didn't know when they were younger. Here's what they said they would tell their 20- or 30-something selves if they could go back in time and give advice. How about you? We'd love to have you visit our forums and weigh in with your own wise counsel!
"Like so many, I came from a middle-class family that never talked about money. I became an adult with little to no financial literacy. I falsely believed that the time to meet with a financial planner is either when nearing retirement or when you received a million-dollar windfall -- whichever came first. I now know that consulting a financial planner early in your career can pay huge dividends." ~ Cheryl I. Procter-Rogers, age 53. Senior Consultant, A Step Ahead Public Relations, Lincolnshire, Illinois
"I allowed men to shine because I was taught (and accepted it) to be quiet. I still hear my mother telling me 'Go into business if you want, but don't be a hard woman.' Mistake #1. I heard that, and the tape has played in my head for 35 years! So I would tell women not to allow themselves not to shine. Don't take on 'female' tasks your male equals do not get asked to do. (Yes, that's right; they never get asked to plan a party!) Make yourself heard in meetings with male colleagues. If you have to, speak to them individually and tell them they never let you speak." ~ Joan Muschamp, age 57. Owner, LemonZest Marketing LLC, Salt Lake City, Utah
"My advice would be 'The only person you can change is yourself.' I live by that idea now, and I'm a more accepting and happy person because of it." ~ Jan Cullinane, age 58. Owner, Retirement Living from A to Z, Palm Coast, Florida
"Life gets better and better as you get older! I'd hate to be going through all that angst and trying to fit in the way I did when I was younger, wondering what on earth the world was about and how I was supposed to be in it. Now I know I am supposed to do what is right for me and I am the only one who can decide what that is. No one else has any business judging me, nor I them. Also, listen to your body: It is your partner for life, it wants to be your friend, and it's doing its best. It will tell you exactly what is right for you if you listen carefully. It is an infallible source of wisdom, sometimes called intuition, much more accurate than the rational brain, which is a very useful tool but not meant to be in charge." ~ Mikaya Heart, age 59. Life-coach and an award-winning author, Laytonville, California
"The most important bit of advice I would give my 20-30 something self is this: Be as good to yourself as you are to others. If you give all of yourself to helping loved ones you will often short change yourself and wake up to find you helped others with their dreams at the neglect of your own." ~ Darla Arni, age 55. Speaker-Author-Coach, Sharing Creative Energy, Slater, Missouri
"Volunteering helps the giver as much if not more than the receiver. Find a cause you are passionate about and find a way to make it part of your life. The earlier you learn this, the more rewarding your life will be." ~ Linda van Kessler, age 57. Founder of Passion 4 K.I.D.S. Charity, Encinitas, California
"I didn't learn who I was until I was in my mid 40's. Now I love what I do and wouldn't think of retiring. I teach spiritually based women entrepreneurs 40+ how to build business without overwhelm so they create more freedom and less financial stress." ~ Hazel Palache, 70. President, Stairway to Wealth, Sherman Oaks, California
"I think the biggest thing is: Not to worry sooooo much!" ~ Sydelle ("Syd") Hoffman, age 55. Founder/Creative Director, EatPlayHug.com, Chandler, Arizona
