Why every woman should have a Fuck Off Fund: a tale of financial self-defence

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Why every woman should have a Fuck Off Fund: a tale of financial self-defence

By Amy Swales

10 years ago

We all know we're supposed to have savings. But it's hard, it's boring and much of the time, it can feel impossible.

However, one writer's striking piece about “financial self-defence” is quickly going viral and encouraging women to set up their own, private emergency savings account – a perfectly named ‘Fuck Off Fund’ for when it's time to do just that.

Writing on personal finance website thebillfold.comPaulette Perhach's powerful essay implores women to start saving away from any joint accounts, for whatever and whenever you may need it – be it fucking off away from your job or your partner, or simply needing the freedom to reorder your life.

Perhach explores the traps we all fall into with credit cards and buying beyond your means, living month to month, agreeing to meals out with new colleagues “because you want to make friends, your turkey sandwich sounds boring, and what’s one more charge?”

While many may think they'd never need one, Perhach's vividly painted picture of how a situation with your boss or partner can spiral darkly out of control spells out the importance of a Fuck-Off Fund so effectively that it's already inspired some to set up new, private accounts or rename existing accounts, and is gaining support on Twitter.

She goes on: “You buy a halter dress you know you can’t afford, because it makes you look like the successful young woman you want everyone to think you are. Your boss tells you that you look nice in that dress, asks you to do a spin. Just to get the moment over with, you do.

“Your boyfriend asks you how much you paid for it, says it makes you look chubby. You lock yourself in the bathroom until he bangs on the door so hard you think he must have hurt himself. After he falls asleep, you search Craigslist for places, and can’t believe how expensive rent’s gotten around town. You erase your Internet history and go to sleep.”

Whether needed for an escape route, to reconsider your career direction or simply have a breather and some head space, there's no doubting that savings afford a freedom that could benefit everyone – and as some have pointed out on Twitter, it's relevant to both men and women.

While she's since acknowledged that it's something not everyone has the means to do, she's urged anyone lucky enough to be in a position to save to do so, so that “whether the system protects you or fails you, you will be able to take care of yourself.”

Sound advice.

Read the full essay here, and follow Paulette Perhach on Twitter here.

Images: Rex Features

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