Are you earning what you are worth? This is a question we have all asked ourselves -- perhaps many, many times. The answer shifts because our lives, our careers and work are dynamic. It's important to re-evaluate your answer to this very personal and very important question on a regular and periodic basis.

But how do you find out the answer? How do you know for sure? A couple of weeks ago we wrote about Marcia Brixey and her Money Wise Women education. One of the women that is often a featured speaker at Marcia's programs is Mikelann Valterra. We want to be sure you know about her too. Mikelann is the Founder of the Women's Earning Institute. Her mission is to empower women to earn what they are really worth.

In Mikelann's blog post of June 3^rd, called "The New Face of Underearning-Is It You?" she speaks to underearning using this definition, "the pattern of earning less than YOUR potential." We find her question and definition particularly important and relevant right now, (especially her use of the word "pattern" in the definition). As people are losing their jobs, opening businesses, and looking for new jobs, many are re-evaluating what they should charge for their services or command as a salary. This can be a very difficult and often emotional process of self-reflection.

Mikelann's empowering approach in her work shares the values we have at 2130 Partners. We believe in living your highest potential in every facet of your life. We believe in moving towards your highest vision for yourself and your business. We believe in what we call "green line conversations," meaning conversations that facilitate actions towards your vision. And we believe in people getting the tools and resources they need to make their highest visions reality.

One of the most important areas in your life to feel empowered about is money. One of the most important leadership skills you can give yourself is to feel confident with all the facets of the subject of money. And, one of the most important facets of money is how much you earn -- are you earning to your potential?

So much of the fear that is present right now is related to money. Everything from the state of the dollar and the global economy, to our personal credit cards and mortgages seems to be in turmoil. An important key to leading your life is leading your finances -- both business and personal. An important key to leadership is feeling empowered. With everything going on, where are you going to feel empowered about money? In the spirit of financial empowerment, we want to be sure you know about Marcia Brixey. She has put together "Money Wise Women Educational Services" and it has amazing tools and programs to empower women to be "financially fit." By gearing her message to women, Marcia has tapped into the challenges and even downright fear that many women feel around financial issues. She has developed a variety of tools, and a forum through her conferences, for women to come together and build their financial skills in a context of mutual respect, trust and safety. It is this context she creates that particularly catches our attention vs. other financial experts out there. We believe this type of context is critical for people to be able to learn, grow and prosper and be the leaders they want to be. Marcia's book "The Money Therapist" offers information and advice for women of every financial level. Topics range from getting out of debt, creating a budget, and spending wisely, to saving money and safeguarding against identity theft. Marcia's approach is very empowering and her positive attitude is both informative and encouraging.

Marcia's blog, and newsletters, also have lots of information and inspiration. If possible, we also recommend attending one of the Money Wise Women Conferences. These conferences are held for both personal and professional finances. There is always a great list of smart, savvy women presenters to provide plenty of inspiration and camaraderie around what can be a very challenging topic. This year the conferences are scheduled in both Washington State and California. (Click here to see the schedule.)

If you, a family member, a friend or colleague could use some financial confidence boosting and some solid information, check out Marcia's work.