Last week Gracie and I had the opportunity to attend TD’s Your Story Your Future Speakers Series with Cheryl Strayed at the AGO. Name sound familiar? Cheryl Strayed is the author of WILD, which was made into an Oscar nominated film starring Reese Witherspoon.

The story documents Strayed’s solo hike up the Pacific Crest Trail. I’d watched the movie before attending the talk but hearing her stories in real life was really inspiring. Something that stood out was Strayed’s advice from her mum that reminded me of something my mum would say ‘this is character building’ in regards to getting through hard times.

TD’s “Your Story Your Future” program combines workshops and inspirational speaker events to help women feel confident about setting and achieving their financial goals. I’ve written about a few of my financial accomplishments over the last few years (read those here).

I feel it’s really important for us as women to grab the reigns of our finances and set goals so we can prepare for our future.

I remember when my parents got divorced, I was a teenager, and my mum was going back into the workforce after 16+ years. She stressed the importance of having my own money, not getting into a position where I had to rely on someone else when it came to my finances. Only 3 out of 10 women have a financial plan for their future and TD’s Women Investor Program wants to change that.

The program was created for the growing number of women who influence a growing share of wealth in Canada and might be looking for a more personalized investment experience from men.

According to a representative from TD Bank:

“One of the key differences between men and women investors is a desire for a more holistic financial advisory relationship – one that is based on setting and achieving life goals rather than simply hitting a financial benchmark.”

Defining exactly what professional advancement and financial freedom looks like is different for all of us but the importance is something we share. Regardless of the type of advancement we’re looking for (career, family or legacy) planning for personal and financial goals is important.

Ready to take charge of your financial future? Get it girl! Visit www.td.com/womenatwork to learn more. 

Note: This post was generously sponsored by TD. All opinions and life stories are mine, all mine!