The following outlines the top 10 financial mistakes a woman can make, whether she is married, has a partner or is single. Avoiding these behaviors can help most women feel financially secure, no matter what the surrounding situation.

 1  Ignoring Credit

By ignoring credit reports and scores, women might find themselves struggling to obtain needed financing for a new car, a mortgage, or even a gas station credit card. Allowing a credit score to fall can mean significant financial struggle and stress. Paying attention to your Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) score at places like www.Experian.com or www.MyFico.com helps you know exactly what your score is. These sites also offer hints and tips for maintaining and improving your credit score.

 2  Failing to Organize a Budget

Organizing your household finances might take a back seat when life is busy. However, by failing to budget your monthly expenses, you might find yourself spending more than you can afford. Avoid spending too much by writing out your monthly expenses and limiting your allowance.

 3  Not Understanding Investments

If you wish to invest money, make sure you fully understand the investment beforehand. Many women make the mistake of investing in something because it seems appealing or has cheap stock prices. Decide whether you think it will pick up in the long term and actually generate some income for you, or if you are likely to lose money on it.

 Do not be swayed by salesmen; do all your own research and ask questions of reputable sources.

 4  Not Being Prepared for an Emergency

Nobody knows when an emergency might happen. Whether the emergency is an act of God or just a late bill that you have forgotten about, an emergency can be less devastating if an emergency fund is in place. Instead of spending surplus money on little luxuries, consider putting it aside for an emergency fund instead.

 5  Relying on Her Spouse to Take Care of Finances

Many women leave financial decisions up to their spouse or partner. However, a woman needs to have a hand in her own finances, so that she knows what is going on with her money.

Pay attention to your weekly or monthly spending, and know how much you spend for bills and other expenses. Keep abreast of your spouse’s or partner’s spending as well, so you are not unpleasantly surprised in the future.

 6  Not Requesting a Raise at Work

Approaching the boss and requesting a raise, if and when you deserve one, is something women sometimes shy away from doing because the task can be difficult. However, employees are usually entitled to certain raises for increasing their workload and responsibilities. Do not be hesitant to ask, because the worst you can hear is “no”.

 7  Saving for Kids’ Education, Not Retirement

As a mother, a woman might be inclined to save for her children’s education. However, in putting her money here, she may overlook saving for her own retirement. When retirement comes around, she may find that her Social Security check each month does not cover every need. Start saving as early as possible so that you have enough money for your future.

 8  Overlooking Life Insurance

Although the topic of one’s eventual demise is not always pleasant to think about, life insurance is something to consider acquiring for both yourself and your spouse. Consider the fact that when the time comes, whether via accident, illness, or old age, the survivors do not want to worry about finances, including the funeral costs and other expenses following a death. Look into purchasing adequate life insurance. Visit www.Esurance.com for quotes on life insurance as well as other types of important insurance.

 9  Seeking Title on Joint Assets

When two people get married, they expect to be together forever; therefore, they usually do not worry about seeking a joint title on joint assets. However, if the marriage fails, a person can be stranded if such assets as the house, car, and bank accounts are not in his or her name. Joint ownership can sometimes make divorces more complicated, but it is better than being left with nothing and no options.

 10 Losing Financial Identity When Married

Another common mistake women make when they get married is giving up their independent financial identity. Opting for credit cards or property only in the spouse’s name, or joint bank accounts or other important assets, means that a woman can eventually lose her personal financial identity. Avoid this issue by keeping individual bank accounts open and owning at least one asset in your own name.