Laura Linden is a financial strategist, Fractional CFO, and founder of Feisty FD, on a mission to take the fear out of finance and help women – and entrepreneurs.
Her debut book UnF*ck Your Business Finances: Unlearn the Shame, Reclaim the Power and Change the Game is out on Dec 4, visit feistyfd.com for updates.
Why Financial Confidence Matters
The gender gap in financial literacy is still huge and it’s holding women back. In tech, where innovation moves fast and salaries can soar, not understanding your numbers can cost you opportunities, promotions, and peace of mind.
Financial literacy isn’t about becoming an accountant or memorising tax codes. It’s about freedom; the ability to make informed decisions, negotiate confidently, and build wealth on your own terms. When women have more money, everyone benefits: families share responsibilities more equally, communities thrive, and businesses grow.
So, how do we start? By dismantling the myths that keep us stuck:
Myth #1: “I’m not good at maths, so I’ll never be good with money.”
Truth: Business finance has nothing to do with mental arithmetic. What matters is learning the rules and asking the right questions.
Myth #2: “Talking about money is rude.”
Truth: Silence around money is a form of gatekeeping. If we don’t talk about salaries, bonuses, or equity, we keep financial education inaccessible.
Smart Financial Habits for Women in Tech
Tech careers often come with competitive salaries, stock options and performance bonuses. But higher earnings don’t automatically mean financial security. Here are four habits that will change the game:
- Know Your Magic Number
What does financial success look like for you? Is it paying off debt, buying a home, or funding a side hustle? Define your “Magic Number”; the amount that gives you the life you want, and reverse-engineer it. For example, if you need £40k after tax, you’ll need to earn closer to £60k net profit or negotiate a salary that accounts for taxes and benefits. When you know your number, you can make strategic decisions instead of guessing. - Track Your Cash Flow Like a Pro
Cash flow isn’t just for businesses. It’s the fuel that keeps your financial engine running. Open separate “pots” or accounts for tax, savings, and big-ticket goals. Automate transfers so you’re always prepared for annual bills or unexpected expenses. Think of it as building resilience because nothing kills confidence faster than scrambling for cash. - Benchmark Your Worth
In tech, salaries vary wildly. Use benchmarking to compare your pay and benefits against industry standards. Sites like Glassdoor and community forums are a good start, but the most powerful tool is conversation. Share your own experiences to inspire others to open up. Transparency helps everyone. - Build a Buffer
Aim for at least three months of living expenses in an emergency fund. It’s not glamorous, but it’s life changing. That cushion gives you options, whether that’s leaving a toxic job, taking a career break, or investing in a new opportunity.
How to Talk About Money at Work
If the thought of negotiating makes you break out in hives, you’re not alone. Many women hesitate to ask for what they deserve, fearing they’ll seem greedy or arrogant. But the truth is that not asking is costing you.
Here’s how to start talking about money without feeling awkward:
Prepare like a CFO: Gather evidence. What revenue did you help generate? What efficiencies did you create? Numbers speak louder than opinions.
Frame it as value, not cost: Instead of “I need a raise,” try “Here’s the value I’ve added and how I plan to deliver more.”
Practise the words: Roleplay with a friend or mentor. Confidence grows with repetition.
And if you’re negotiating equity or bonuses, learn the basics of share schemes and incentive plans. These aren’t just perks, they’re wealth-building tools so well worth negotiating for.
Why Talking About Money Matters for Inclusion
Money conversations aren’t just about personal gain; they’re about systemic change. When women advocate for fair pay and transparency, it chips away at the structures that keep us underpaid and undervalued. Research shows that closing the gender gap in entrepreneurship could add £250 billion to the UK economy. Imagine the impact if more women in tech negotiated confidently, invested wisely, and built businesses that thrive.
The Bigger Picture
By 2030, women are expected to control up to 45% of financial assets in the EU and US, thanks to the Great Wealth Transfer. That’s trillions of pounds changing hands. Whether you’re in tech or running your own business, financial literacy isn’t optional, it’s urgent.
If you take one thing away from this article, let it be this: you don’t need to be good at maths to be good with money. You just need curiosity and the courage to start.
