Women learning to be rich

By REBECCA WALSH

A programme designed to help women become millionaires or maybe just own their own homes is on its way to New Zealand.

The Wildly Wealthy Women programme, founded by two Australian women, provides practical information about making money and aims to create the "millionaire mindset" women need to achieve their goals through ongoing support and mentoring.

Co-founder Sandy Forster said when it came to wealth creation women often learned about it, but if they didn't understand or apply it "the moment passes by".

Ms Forster, who went into serious debt after she divorced, decided she wanted to learn how to become wealthy and to keep it. She did some research, employed the services of accountant and property investor Dymphna Boholt (now friend and co-founder) and the pair decided it would be a good idea to share what they knew.

"Not everyone is married. There are single mums and divorced women who don't have anyone to bounce ideas off. They still may not feel confident to make decisions on their own," Ms Forster said.

Mrs Boholt said in a male-dominated industry men did not always want to share information, they might not have the time or could not speak in women's language.

"Women learn differently from men. Women are more into details and more inclined to help the next woman," said Mrs Boholt.

"The philosophy we create is that it's not just about you but who you can help along the way."

While Ms Forster, a prosperity coach, focuses on helping create the millionaire mindset, Mrs Boholt, a millionaire, tackles the practical side from asset protection and taxation issues to property investment.

The nine-month programme, which incorporates a home-study course, weekly conference calls, mentoring and support from other women, has been operating since February in Australia.

Next month presentations will be held in Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin.

While most women pay $4995 for the programme, four New Zealand women would be chosen to take part for free, provided they were willing to tell their story.

Mrs Boholt said in Australia where 500 women had signed up, there were already success stories, although no one was a millionaire yet.

One recently separated mother was able to buy two properties with the financial support of another woman on the programme. Ms Forster said it was about being able to make choices that were based on desire, not bank balances.

"By becoming financially literate, your knowledge goes up and your risks go down, you make better choices and are able to make it happen for yourself."