"A woman must make her fortune before she is 30; or work after she is 30; or get married"

This quote by Anna Held recommends that a woman ought to make every effort to achieve monetary self-reliance before the age of 30. This might be done by making her own fortune, either through business or financial investments. Alternatively, if she has not attained financial independence by the age of 30, she should either continue to work or get wed. This quote implies that marriage is a way to accomplish monetary security, as the woman's spouse would be responsible for providing for her. This quote shows the standard gender functions of the time, where females were anticipated to be economically based on their partners. It also recommends that a female needs to strive to be independent and self-sufficient, and not count on marriage as a method to achieve monetary security. This quote is a reminder that females ought to strive to be independent and self-sufficient, and not depend on marriage as a way to accomplish financial security.