Want to learn 4 ways to become financially empowered?  One of life's great mysteries is the fact that few of us are taught what we need to know about money and personal finance in order to feel secure. Our parents weren't taught so they couldn't teach us. We're not taught and therefore, cannot educate our children. And, our children will probably repeat this cycle unless we do something differently.

Wouldn't it be great if we could break this cycle and not have to struggle with the same financial issues over and over again?  You know, money is nothing but a tool. It is one that most of us use every day. Even with all that practice, we feel a lot of stress and anxiety when the subject of money comes up because we were not taught how to use it wisely or talk about it.  By learning smart money strategies and how to have a money conversation without stress, folks become confident they can stand on their own two feet, no matter where life takes them.

The truth is this lack of financial knowledge is not our fault, but ultimately, it may be up to us to change it. We greatly need and deserve to be financially educated. This is an area that I believe our culture has failed, and that does not serve anyone. And the price we are all paying for this is far greater than the cost that financial education could ever be. So what are we to do?

We can commit to educating ourselves and our children.  We can commit to initiating conversations at home about money and how it works.

With so many families preparing to send a child off to college, I thought this would be a great time to share some tips about how to become fluent in personal finance.  If you want to learn more about your money personality, click here to take the Money Type Quiz.

Here's 4 Ways To Become Financially Empowered:

1. Become fluent in Personal Finance. One of my favorite websites is the National Foundation for Financial Education (NEFE).  You will find free, non-consumer oriented financial education for teens and adults. You can even go back to college online and take their Cash Course which is an amazingly valuable program that anyone can take.
2. Find tools you can use.  The U.S. Financial Literacy and Education Commission offers some excellent financial education programs that are free on their website at , including a “My Money” toolkit which is available online or can be ordered by phone by calling their toll-free number (888) 696 – 6639.
3. Have a family game night with a money theme.  Make becoming financially educated and informed a family project and priority.  Play Monopoly, or Rich Dad Poor Dad author Robert Kiyosaki's Cash Flow.  The Rich Dad company provides some wonderful resources for parents to use with children of all ages.  You can have fun learning together!
4. Break the ice and get the Money Conversation started.  Set a common family financial goal and ask everyone to share an idea on how to make it a reality.  You will be amazed at what comes out of a brainstorming session if you keep it light and fun!  Commit to taking one step, one action toward becoming financially educated and empowered today!

I would love your feedback!  What have you done to become financially empowered?  What financial empowerment tip has worked for you?  Please share by emailing me at:  tnicklas@wealthcoachforwomen.com.