A documentary that examines the norms about women and money — historical, cultural and societal — will be screened at 7 p.m. March 2 at IU Cinema.

An image from the documentary “$avvy.” Photo courtesy of IU Cinema“$avvy” focuses on the importance of women taking control of their financial future. The screening will include a question-and-answer session with the director and financial wellness experts. Admission is free, but tickets are required.

The documentary is co-sponsored by the IU Office of Financial Wellness and Education, the IU Center of Excellence for Women & Technology, the National Endowment for Financial Education and IU Cinema. The Office of Financial Wellness and Education provides financial education to faculty, staff and students in one-on-one and presentation settings. The services are free to the entire IU community.

Holly Hooper, Surabhi Karambelkar and Phil Schuman, from the Office of Financial Wellness and Education, collaboratively answered a few questions recently about financial wellness for women and the documentary.

Question: What are the biggest challenges women face to achieving financial wellness?

Answer: The gender pay gap. Women, on average, make 82 cents for every dollar men earn and are underrepresented in management positions. Women, more so than men, combat societal norms associated with gender roles. They more often find themselves in misbalanced positions regarding parental and family duties, which removes them from the workforce, limits their ability to remain on a professional upward trajectory and hinders their ability to take professional risks.

Q: What can women learn from “$avvy” that can be beneficial for them?

A: Empowerment. How to advocate for themselves and take steps toward financial independence. The film can provide women with tools and resources they need to better their financial lives at home, in the workplace and in their relationships.

Q: In what ways can the documentary help interpersonal relationships?

A: It can facilitate conversations regarding the things no one wants to talk about, including death and the end of the relationship. Open communication ensures all involved are on the same financial path and that each party feels heard and secure.

Q: What might viewers be most surprised to learn from the documentary?

A: The percentage of women who rely on someone else to manage their finances is shocking, especially when you learn that 8 in 10 women in the U.S. will be solely responsible for managing their finances at some point in their lives. It is critical that women gain the knowledge and develop the skills necessary to successfully navigate an increasingly complex financial world.

Q: Why would it be good for men to also see “$avvy”?

A: Chances are, even if you don’t identify as a woman, there’s at least one in your life you know and love. Gaining insight into the challenges women face and learning how to take that knowledge into financial conversations is a key takeaway.

Q: How does the documentary present information and advice to women about financial wellness in new or more impactful ways?

A: “$avvy” uses the stories of women who have had to navigate their own financial challenges on a path to a better life. While these stories involve difficult financial challenges, they celebrate the resilience and tenacity of the women (and couples) who overcame them to forge a better financial future. The hope is for those in attendance to be inspired to take charge of their financial life.