In the NewsNew Public Television Special with WFN Founder Jennifer Openshaw Empowers Women, Couples to Achieve - Show Addresses New Economic Fears, Declining 401(k)sPRESS RELEASE Media Contact: Sheryl Gonzalez New Public Television Special with WFN Founder Jennifer Openshaw Empowers Women, Couples to Achieve Financial Security Show Addresses New Economic Fears, Declining 401(k)s Show Airs in New York “Jennifer Openshaw has been one of the most outspoken proponents for empowering “Jennifer Openshaw is a visionary with a passion for teaching women about money. Her book is an amazing guide that women of all ages will be able to use for years to achieve financial abundance.” “Her book is our secret weapon to wealth and influence.” “Savvy, financially sound, and above all, practical.” SACRAMENTO, CA — With increased economic fears following the September 11th attacks and the more recent Enron collapse, a new Public Television special hosted by Jennifer Openshaw, Founder of Women’s Financial Network, launches nationwide this month to address and educate women and couples about the importance of financial preparedness. In the one-hour show, bearing the same name as her acclaimed book, “What’s Your Net Worth?”, Openshaw implores women and men to take charge of their financial lives by reminding them that they are the “Chief Financial Officers” of “You Inc.,” in charge of their own financial destinies. “Don’t count on Prince Charming, Uncle Sam or even your spouse to provide you with financial security,” says Openshaw, who raised her two younger brothers while her divorced mother worked two full-time jobs as a waitress to support the family. “Because chances are, it will be up to you – all up to you. But each and every one of you has the power within yourself to achieve financial security – and to feel that sense of confidence that comes from taking charge. You’ll be able to make better decisions about relationships, about jobs, about your lives. And, you’ll be that much more prepared when you do face a financial set-back.” The show was underwritten by Allstate Financial, a business unit of The Allstate Corporation. KVIE Channel 6, Sacramento’s Public Television station and one of the nation’s top five most prolific producers of Public Television programming, produced the show. American Public Television, the primary distributor of Public Television shows, will distribute the show nationwide this March. Although she appeals primarily to women in the audience to take charge of their finances, Openshaw calls on men and couples to pay attention to alarming statistics that suggest women must be better prepared when it comes to their financial future. Women generally live longer, earn less, save less, receive lower social security and pension checks and are often called upon to care for parents. New findings by the Spectrem Group conclude that two-thirds of wealthy households have two incomes — suggesting the wife’s paycheck is increasingly important. Couples should know where they stand together and how they would fare tomorrow if something happened to the other. New studies also show that women feel more economically vulnerable following the September 11th terrorist acts. Nearly 50% of women surveyed by the Center for Gender Equality say they worry their financial situation will worsen as a result of the economic effects of 9/11. Close to 20% say their 401(k) plans have already taken a hit and 25% say their personal economic situation has worsened. Openshaw’s message is simple to comprehend, and her easily understood ideas for taking control of their financial future can be implemented immediately by anyone. The show is particularly timely in today’s uncertain economic climate as Openshaw focuses on empowerment and preparing viewers for success in their careers, with their credit, and retirement planning, among other topics. With interviews from every day women and such notables as Debbi Fields, founder of Mrs. Fields Cookies, and Jane Friedman, CEO of HarperCollins, Openshaw underscores why women are at a disadvantage when it comes to building financial security – and why they must act today. Openshaw also encourages viewers to use the Internet – a tool that allows women especially to overcome previous barriers to wealth building. The following are just a few highlights of the show: Change Your Thinking About Money – Studies show that those who are responsible and confident about money as adults received positive feedback and witnessed positive role models in their parents when it comes to money. Openshaw begins the show by asking viewers to close their eyes and replay the old movies – discussions or arguments over money between their parents or between themselves and others. Throughout the show, she asks viewers to replace those old movies with new, more powerful financial scripts. Financial Planning – Openshaw encourages men and women to set aside a time, ideally at the beginning of the year, to discuss their financial and related goals for the year with their spouse or a friend. “This is a great way to get feedback and support on your goals throughout the year and to deepen your relationship at the same time.” Spending – Openshaw reminds viewers that “it’s not what you earn that matters, it’s what you save.” “The key,” she says, “lies in a formula called ESG: Earn it. Save it. Grow it. Every time you hear that cash register go ‘ka-ching’, you have to re-earn that money just to get back to where you were.” Debt – Most people don’t know how much debt is too much or that employers today are increasingly looking at credit reports to determine if they should hire you. Risk – Despite the market volatility of the past year, Openshaw uses compelling charts with data from the recession of the early 1970s and the 1987 market crash to explain how to manage a portfolio’s financial risk in down periods. After all, says Openshaw, “We take risks everyday, with our hearts in relationships and with our lives when we step into a car. Let’s understand how to manage financial risk so that we can achieve financial security.” Financial Advisors – Openshaw tells viewers how they can check out a broker or advisor on the Internet and offers the key questions to ask when hiring one. Preparing for the unexpected – One out of every two persons will experience a catastrophe during their lifetime, whether a car accident, a debilitating illness, or an experience like that of September 11th. Openshaw offers tips and strategies to prepare for the unexpected. “Going through an unexpected event – whether a death, divorce or long-term illness – is emotional and difficult, to say the least. Don’t make the mistake of failing to prepare for the unexpected and finding that you have to deal with not only the emotional challenges, but the financial consequences as well. If you’re unprepared, it will be costly, maybe even financially draining, and can lead to a life you never imagined… and not what you wanted.” Openshaw is the founder of Women’s Financial Network Inc. (now WFN at Siebert) and a pioneer in financial services. She has served as a financial commentator for Lifetime Television, as the women and money columnist for CBS MarketWatch, and as the “money expert” for KCBS-TV Channel 2 in Los Angeles. Named one of the “25 Rising Stars” by Internet World Magazine for her work as CEO of WFN, Openshaw was recently appointed by the Governor of California to the prestigious California Commission on Government Efficiency. For more information about Jennifer Openshaw and the television program “What’s Your Net Worth?” visit www.jennifero.com or www.kvie.org/programs/networth/. About the Producing Station:KVIE, Inc., located in Sacramento, California — the heart of the Central Valley — inspires audiences and enriches their lives through quality programs and educational services. Established by a group of educators in 1959, the station’s call letters stand for the Valley Information and Education. KVIE serves more than 2 million viewers each week in the Sacramento/Modesto/Stockton market and can be viewed on more than 62 cable systems. KVIE actively creates original local programming and is one of the five most active producers of Public Television in the country. For more information, visit our website at www.kvie.org. About Allstate Financial: |
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