From student loans to family guarantees, women carry more than their share. This issue unpacks the why and gives you the tools to take your power back.

So many of us carry debt, but no one talks about it. Whether it is student loans, credit cards, family business debt, it can feel like a heavy crown. It can feel like Sisyphus’ boulder climbing that never ends, and bears heavy on our shoulders and psyche.

Here’s the truth: you are not powerless.

Why women carry more debt:

• The gender pay gap, less income coming in.

• Caregiving responsibilities, less income earning possibilities.

• Lack of financial education tailored for women.

• Limited access to affordable capital for women entrepreneurs, bureaucracy carries cost.

• Family abuse considers women an easy target to be a guarantor to family business debt.

• Lack of courage to ask questions, money is a taboo issue.

Let’s talk business for a second:

• Women-owned businesses are on the rise, but access to funding hasn’t kept up. Many women use personal credit or high interest loans to finance their dreams. That’s brave, but also adds risk. If you are a woman entrepreneur:

  • Separate business and personal finances,

  • Seek grants and women-focused funding programs,

Don’t be afraid to ask for help, queens build empires with teams, not alone.

3 steps to reclaim your financial throne:

• Know your numbers. List every debt you owe, the interest rate and the minimum payment

  • Understand how interest on your debt is treated – if it grows by compounding. See the full picture to change it.

• Make a power plan. Use the avalanche method (pay off debt with high interest first) or the snowball method (pay off the smallest debt and move to the highest), whichever feels more achievable. Queens make strategic moves.

• Say NO without guilt. Save on expenses and put those savings towards paying off debt. You don’t need to shop trends every week or go out to brunch every weekend. Learn to say NO to yourself first and then to others. Financial boundaries are royal behaviour.

Remember, you are worthy of a life that is not ruled by debt. Your path to building wealth starts by making baby steps, paying off your bills.