Explore the growing influence of women in mobile app development and its impact on innovation, diversity, and the tech industry.

The following is a guest post from my bloggy friends over at Dogtown Media. Interested in having a guest post on my website? Click here for my guest post submission form.

Code Like a Girl: The Female Revolution in App Creation

In recent years, the number of women involved in mobile application development has greatly increased. As technology takes a front seat in changing the future, more and more women are reaching out to join the ranks of this vibrant industry. They bring diversity and innovation powered by distinctive perspectives and creative problem-solving skills. This article looks more into the rise of women in mobile app development.

Why Are More Women Choosing Careers in the Tech Industry?

It’s undeniable that more women are getting into the tech industry. But why? Here are some of the reasons:

Education That Encourages Girls Toward Technology

Exponentially, the world’s educational systems have changed tremendously in the past decade, basically encouraging girls to engage in technology from an early age. Essentially, tech fields were considered men’s preserve.

With deliberate efforts to introduce STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) at an early stage of learning, more girls have begun showing interest. According to the Society of Women Engineers, 34% of STEM workers are women, a percentage that continues to increase.

Female App Development Role Models

Role models in technology, particularly in app development, have greatly influenced women’s career pursuits. Noting successes and success stories will give the required visibility to young women: they, too, can innovate, lead, and succeed in technology. This gives role models who will inspire and mentor a new generation of female tech professionals, creating an inclusive industry.

Demand for Diverse Points of View in Innovation

Diversity provides unique insights, which can lead to more innovative solutions and products targeting a global marketplace. More opportunities are created not only for women but also empower them to take up leadership roles and hence influence the direction taken by technological advancements.

Shifting Perceptions of Tech Careers

It is how careers in technology are now perceived worldwide that has changed and hence quite alluring to women. They have slowly realized that a career in technology can serve their interests in creativity, problem-solving, and making a difference in the world.

Gender Diversity Initiatives at Work

Most technology companies have adopted various initiatives on gender diversity to ensure increased attraction and retention of more women in the industry. Activities range from targeted recruitment and leadership development programs for women to policies driving home the need to resolve gender pay gaps. These activities have an overwhelming effect on creating an environment where women feel valued and supported.

Benefits of Women Shifting to the Tech Space

The benefits of women in the tech include:

Diversity and Innovation

Women entering creates diversity in perspectives, which further breeds creativity and innovation. When women bring their unique perspectives, more complete products result. This diversity of thought is important for developing technologies that cater to a global and varied user base; this leads ultimately to higher quality and relevancy of tech solutions.

Economic Advantage Through Diversification

Workforce diversification, specifically within a fast-growing industry like technology, can result in more productivity. It strengthens companies and serves broader economic growth by achieving a more inclusive and dynamic economy. Furthermore, as women step into technology roles, they greatly add the much-required solutions to the supply deficit of talents and appealing products.

The Holistic Impact of Women

Women in tech bring much more to the table than their coding skills; they have a holistic impact that extends beyond technical expertise. The impact is mainly in roles calling for collaboration, communication, and empathy, such as project management and leadership.

This helps in building user-friendly apps that meet different user needs. Moreover, their social and ethical consideration of the implications of technology use adds great value to the tech world.

Role Models and Mentorship

Women in tech become role models for girls and women who want to join the profession. Seeing people like them working in tech breaks barriers perceived to stop women from pursuing the same paths. Many women in tech also take on mentorship roles, guiding and supporting others through their careers.

Things for women who have been in this industry for a while to tell beginners

Women in tech may have valuable advice for the upcoming ones. Some of them are:

Your Opinion Matters

The industry is driven by diverse perspectives, and your unique life experiences and insights are so valuable in this regard. Never hesitate to share your mind, whether in meetings, discussions, or even simple brainstorming, for these can create change or solutions that may propel your team and organization forward. Your voice is not only valuable; it is of core importance to the growth and diversity of tech.

Always Consider Your Health and Happiness

Tech is overwhelming: long hours of working, high stress, and always under pressure. It’s essential to be able to take a step back and reevaluate once in a while if your job is enriching or slowly draining your health and happiness. Establish boundaries and look after yourself; don’t be afraid to make the next move when something inside your role doesn’t feel sustainable.

Don’t Prove a Point Regarding Female Stereotypes

This may be one of the most potentially liberating truths to learn: You don’t have to fulfill any stereotype to have a successful life in tech. Be it the expectation of being nurturing or ultra-agreeable or less technical—none of these should define your role or your approach. The tech industry needs diverse talents and perspectives, so there is no need for you to dwell on traditional strengths or otherwise.

Always Appreciate Yourself

In fast-moving tech, it’s way too easy for your contributions to get brushed aside or co-opted by others, particularly in collaborative environments. Whether it is a new project, a new idea, or good execution, your name should be attached. That way, you build a reputation, further your career, and have all your efforts acknowledged and rewarded for.

The growing involvement of women in the mobile application development arena is one big paradigm shift toward bringing diversity, creativity, and innovation on board. Their presence will play a critical role in shaping the future of mobile application development so that technology can effectively serve all people.

Find the ideal 40th birthday jewelry gift. Learn about birthstones, elegant styles, and tips for a memorable celebration.

The following is a guest post from my bloggy friend Augustine Jewelry. Interested in having a guest post on my website? Click here for my guest post submission form.

Sparkling at 40: The Ultimate Guide to Birthday Jewelry Gifts

A woman’s 40th birthday is a major milestone worthy of a striking gift, and jewelry is always a great choice. But with so many kinds of jewelry, and with the lady of honor likely having collected a pile of dusty necklaces they just aren’t crazy about, where do you start when looking for the perfect piece of jewelry that will be worn and admired for years to come? Here are some tips to help you find the best gift for your friend, mother, wife… or to treat yourself on this special occasion!

The Importance of Celebrating Life

As women age, they can become more and more hesitant to celebrate their birthdays in big ways. 40, in particular, can be the first time many women feel truly “old”, but viewing growing older in such a negative way can harm mental health and certainly won’t make someone a day younger! As we get older and the years seem to blur together more, it gets even more important to celebrate every milestone, season, and holiday to help keep life exciting.

Elegant, Mature Pieces for the Mature Woman

With a woman’s 40s comes an elegant, established maturity, and lovely jewelry to match!

By now, the birthday girl has likely collected quite a few flashier, party pieces from their college years and energetic 30s, so a piece of jewelry to celebrate a 40th birthday should have a timeless elegance to it while still being unique.

For example, pieces by Augustine Jewelry tend to be styled with elegant metals and simple designs while still having pops of color from the gemstones within. Speaking of gemstones…

Birthstones Give Gifts a Personalized Touch

Jewelry is such a universally beloved gift that it can seem a bit impersonal, which is where utilizing your giftee’s birthstone comes in. Choosing a piece of jewelry with the birthday girl’s signature birthstone incorporated shows you’ve been thinking of her, personalizing the present and giving her a subtle way to express herself.

A Quick Guide to Birthstones:

January: Garnet. A warm, deep red stone symbolizing good health, and believed by some to bring wealth to the wearer.

February: Amethyst. A lovely purple gem associated with peace and stability.

March: Aquamarine. A crystal clear blue gem that symbolizes tranquility and harmony.

April: Diamond. The all-time classic stone is associated with prosperity and purity.

May: Emerald. A spring-colored stone for a late spring birthday associated with peace and new beginnings… like entering a new decade of life!

June babies have not two, but three options with unique symbolisms: Pearl (innocence, faith), Alexandrite (transformation, luck), and Moonstone (protection, femininity).

July: Ruby. This classic, deep red gem symbolizes passion and energy, making it a particularly meaningful romantic gift for a July baby. Ruby is also associated with 40-year anniversaries, so it makes a lovely gift for any 40th birthday girl regardless of their birth month.

August: Peridot. The bright green “gem of the sun” according to ancient Egyptians is believed by some to give its owner sweet dreams.

September: Sapphire. While most commonly known for its blue variation, sapphires come in a variety of colors. Some believe it helps focus the mind.

October babies have both Opal and Tourmaline. Milky white opals symbolize protection, while tourmaline is associated with wisdom.

November has two birthstones: Topaz and Citrine. Both are associated with good fortune and calm vibes.

December: Turquoise. One of the world’s oldest known gemstones is also one of the most unique and is symbolic of creativity. It’s relatively affordable making it a great option when considering a beaded bracelet for a December birthday girl.

Other Birthday Tips

Now that you’ve found the perfect gift, here are some other tips for making the woman in your life’s 40th birthday feel as special as it truly is.

-Start planning your girl’s 40th birthday bash as far ahead as possible, give or take six months.

This allows everyone to save for truly special presents and invite far-flung friends and family of the birthday girl to visit for the occasion.

This extra time can even be used to coordinate outfits for a themed party, or even print everyone matching party shirts!

-If you find a truly special piece of jewelry or jewelry set, but find it a bit outside your price range, consider teaming up with the birthday girl’s other loved ones to get her a collective gift. Everyone pitching in lets the birthday crew present something truly remarkable and memorable beyond what any of you could do alone. And bonus: it takes that feeling of competing to get the best present out of the equation.

-Take the drinks seriously. Gone are the college days of just drinking anything for the sake of getting drunk and here are the days of wine tasting, food pairings, and classy champagne. You can even purchase or print custom labels for the wine bottles celebrating the occasion!

-Make sure photo-ops are included in the itinerary and surprise the birthday girl with a bonus keepsake of the wonderful birthday she spent with all of her favorite people! (This will also help the people who had a bit too much of that custom wine we talked about before remembering the party.) Consider gathering some props for fun photos and hiring a professional photographer so nobody needs to be busy fiddling with their camera.

-But most important of all: make sure the birthday girl isn’t stuck doing the cleaning! If the party is happening at her place, put together a cleaning crew to stick around after the party (or come back the next day) and leave her house looking better than you found it. Consider setting up at another person’s house or renting out a house instead, or take the party on the road to a park or winery. Wherever you celebrate, don’t let the birthday girl leave stressed about getting her place back in order afterward!

Your 40s are crucial for financial planning. Explore tips on retirement savings, investments, and estate planning for a secure future.

The following is a guest post from my bloggy friend Ashley Nielsen. Interested in having a guest post on my website? Click here for my guest post submission form.

Mastering Your Finances at 40: A Strategic Guide to Wealth Building

Your 40s are a pivotal decade in your financial journey—a time when your decisions can significantly impact your future stability and retirement security. With the pressures of family responsibilities, career advancements, and looming retirement, it’s crucial to take decisive action to secure your financial future. 

This is not the time for complacency or procrastination; your choices will shape your financial landscape for decades. By focusing on strategic planning, you can build a robust financial foundation that supports your goals and dreams. This roadmap will guide you through essential steps to assess, protect, and grow your wealth, ensuring you’re well-prepared for whatever life brings.

Assess Your Current Financial Situation

In your 40s, it’s important to understand your current financial landscape clearly. Start by calculating your net worth, listing all your assets, such as cash, investments, real estate, and other valuables, and then subtracting your liabilities, like mortgages, loans, and credit card debt. This calculation offers a snapshot of your financial health and helps you track your progress. Regularly updating your net worth statement also identifies areas where you may need adjustments, such as increasing savings or reducing debt.

Reviewing your budget is also crucial. Your expenses and income may have changed since you first created it, especially if you’ve had significant life changes like a new job, a growing family, or relocating. Ensure your budget accurately reflects your current situation and aligns with your financial goals. Pay close attention to debt management, as paying off high-interest debts should be a priority. Focus on developing a strategy to systematically tackle these debts and free up more resources for saving and investing in your future.

Maximize Your Retirement Savings

As you enter your 40s, maximizing your retirement savings becomes increasingly important. Aim to contribute the maximum allowable amount to your 401(k) or equivalent retirement plan. This is the time to take full advantage of employer matching contributions, as they represent free money that can significantly boost your retirement savings. If you haven’t already, automate your contributions to ensure consistent savings. Additionally, consider increasing your contribution rate each year, especially if you receive a raise or bonus, to keep pace with inflation and your retirement goals.

Besides your 401(k), contribute to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) for additional tax-advantaged savings. A traditional IRA may offer tax-deductible contributions, while a Roth IRA allows for tax-free withdrawals in retirement. Evaluate which option aligns best with your current and expected future tax situation. 

Invest Wisely

In your 40s, your investment strategy should balance growth with risk management. Reevaluate your asset allocation to ensure it aligns with your risk tolerance and the time horizon until retirement. Generally, as you age, it might be prudent to gradually shift your portfolio towards more conservative investments to protect your accumulated wealth. However, maintaining some exposure to growth assets like stocks is important to ensure your portfolio can outpace inflation over the long term.

Diversification is key to reducing risk in your investment portfolio. Make sure your investments are spread across different asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, precious metals investments, and real estate, as well as geographically, to minimize the impact of any one market’s downturn. Consider seeking advice from a financial advisor, especially if you’re unsure how to balance your portfolio or navigate complex investment products. A professional can help you tailor your investment strategy to your specific financial goals and circumstances, providing peace of mind as you approach retirement.

Insurance and Risk Management

Insurance is another critical aspect of protecting your financial well-being, especially as your responsibilities grow in your 40s. Evaluate your life insurance coverage to ensure it meets your family’s needs and financial obligations. Consider term life insurance for cost-effective coverage or whole life insurance if you want a policy that builds cash value over time. The goal is to have enough coverage to replace your income, pay off debts, and cover future expenses like college tuition for your children.

In addition to life insurance, consider disability insurance to protect your income in case of an unexpected illness or injury that prevents you from working. This type of insurance can provide peace of mind, knowing that your living expenses and financial goals won’t be compromised if you can’t earn a paycheck. Review your health insurance coverage to ensure it meets your needs, and consider high-deductible plans paired with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for tax advantages. HSAs offer a triple tax benefit: contributions are tax-deductible, grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free.

Plan for Children’s Education

If you have children, planning for their education is likely a significant financial goal. Consider contributing to a 529 college savings plan, which offers tax advantages and can grow over time to help cover future education expenses. These are flexible plans that can be used at most accredited colleges and even some international schools. Starting early and contributing regularly can help you build a substantial education fund, reducing the need for your children to take on student loans.

As your children approach college age, it’s important to understand the financial aid landscape and develop strategies to maximize aid opportunities. Research grants, scholarships, and work-study programs that can help offset costs. Encourage your children to apply for as many scholarships as possible and involve them in understanding the costs of their education and how they can contribute. Additionally, consider meeting with a financial advisor to explore other savings options and to ensure your overall financial plan accommodates education expenses without jeopardizing your retirement savings.

Estate Planning

Estate planning is a crucial component of your financial roadmap in your 40s. Ensure your plan reflects your current wishes for asset distribution, guardianship for minor children, and other important directives. Consider setting up trusts to manage and protect your assets, minimize estate taxes, and ensure a smooth transfer of wealth to your beneficiaries. Trusts also control how and when your assets are distributed, which is particularly important if you have young children or complex family dynamics.

Review and update beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other financial accounts to ensure they reflect your current intentions. These designations often supersede wills, so they must be accurate and up-to-date. Additionally, establish a durable power of attorney and healthcare directive to designate someone you trust to make financial and medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. 

Setting Yourself Up for Future Success

As you navigate your 40s, the urgency to solidify your financial future has never been greater. Time is a critical factor, and your actions today will determine your ability to achieve financial freedom and a comfortable retirement. This roadmap helps you make informed decisions, prioritize your financial goals, and address potential challenges head-on. Remember, the power to shape your future lies in your hands, and the sooner you start, the more secure your financial future will be. Take charge today and set the stage for a prosperous and fulfilling life ahead.

About the Author

Ashley Nielsen earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration Marketing at Point Loma Nazarene University. She is a freelance writer who loves to share knowledge about general business, marketing, lifestyle, wellness, and financial tips. During her free time, she enjoys being outside, staying active, reading a book, or diving deep into her favorite music.