“Secrets of Six-Figure Women. It’s about finding your self-worth as a financial leader. Some women downplay what they do and feel guilty about asking for more and getting what they need in the marketplace. I know I’ve done that in my own career.

“In reading about these women who make six-figure incomes and more, you realize they went through the same struggles and overcame them.

“One point in the book is to be “loud and proud” about what you do. Don’t feel like you have to underplay it to make other people feel better.

“When people ask what I do, I used to say, “I work in the accounting department at the credit union.” Now I say I’m a vice president. I worked hard to get here, and it’s OK that I do what I do.”

CHRISTINE MESSER, vice president of accounting, Heritage Family Federal Credit Union, Rutland, Vt., and a member of the CUNA Finance Council Executive Committee.