Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus is an excellent book written by John Gray. It talks about the relationship between men and women. It spells out the different culture and language used by both sexes. However, there are times when a woman needs to talk to a woman. They both understand each other's language. They undersatnd the body signals and the chat. One such time is when dealing with your finances. These may be complex and on ocassions need the expert eyes of a financial advisor. An advisor that looks at your many financial needs - all of them! You need someone impartial, detached and a woman that looks at your situation objectively. Someone with a financial leaning. A perspective that can change what may be a difficult situation into an opportunity for a brighter future.

This is why, Lesley Collins set up Independent Women. She did so to offer bespoke financial advice for women from all walks of life. Her inspiration, the change in our society. That is the new role and status of women in our culture. More women are now breadwinners, they are independent or the key decision maker with a partner. More and more it is the woman's decision, it is her attitude that impacts on financial issues of any home. Modern lifestyles add to all of this. They have created new conditions. Life events such as career, family, divorce and retirement can be traumatic. Despite all of this, you need to be in control of your own money. It seems so daunting and it all feels so complicated. You may think what should I do.? Where do I start? Perhaps a recent case study that follows might help?

Lorraine an adviser working for Lesley Collins' Independent Women visited a client, looked at their financial affairs. All appeared on face value to be well. But she looked deeeper. She found that there was an increasing debt burden. She then replaced this with a four year plan and an agreed budget. These two actions alone put control back into the client's hands. Her client now had the piece of mind that she would be debt free in four years.

If you feel that you need any help Lorraine is quite happy to meet with clients and discuss your financial aspirations. This is done over a cup of coffee, at a place of your choice. Lorraine can be contacted at 0131 454 2343, or email info@independentwomen.co.uk. If you need to find out more just look at her web site www.independentwomen.co.uk and if you are male, (that is from Mars!) Lorriane is quite happy to talk to you too!

(article by Charles Litster)