On International Women's Day, we look at how women can secure their financial future. The entrenched gender pay gap and women's often interrupted work lives mean women are often financially disadvantaged throughout their lives, but avoiding certain pitfalls can make a big difference.

Become educated

The language of finance is not always easy to understand, but beginning early and self-educating through reading can go a long way towards demystifying the world of finance. The school curriculum now has financial literacy subjects, and girls should be encouraged to take those subjects, and start young. Families can talk about home finances around the kitchen table. Learning about a household budget is one of the first steps to financial independence. A good accountant and mortgage broker can also help educate women about the best way to manage their finances.

Save

The Association of Superannuation Funds in Australia last year reported that forgoing three glasses of wine a week, or a bottle, will net an extra $144,000 in superannuation savings at retirement. Considering the gender imbalance in women's pay and retirement savings, this message is especially pertinent to women. Save. It will be better for you than the bottle of wine.

Pay off your mortgage

If you are lucky enough to own a property, actively paying off your mortgage is one of the best ways to protect your financial future. Set yourself a time limit, make sacrifices, and eventually the property will be all yours. If it's your home, you won't have to pay rent. All capital gain will be tax free. And it's a bricks-and-mortar nest egg that can be used in case of emergencies.

Take control

All too often women take a backseat when it comes to managing household finances. Don't let this happen. Get involved in all aspects of your household's finances. Know what things cost. Make sure you understand the consequences of every financial decision. Ask questions. Get advice. Thankfully, it seems that Australian women are beginning to play a greater role in household finances.

Back yourself

Do the research and back yourself. If you're bidding on a house, know what you can afford and what the property is worth. In her book 'Lean In', Facebook CEO Sheryl Sandberg says women often come to her asking for a pay rise using emotional language, using words like 'loyalty' or 'commitment', whereas men tend to state their value to the business. Sandberg advises women to "negotiate like a man", which means think financially, negotiate financially.