In the past, women faced many barriers in pursuing careers in business and finance. They were considered emotionally fragile and their purity was believed to be best protected at home. Married women had limited rights to own property or manage money. However, in the mid-1800s, some states began granting women more control over their finances. Despite these changes, judges often ruled in favor of husbands when it came to a wife's earnings. Single women, on the other hand, had more freedom to invest their money. One bank, the Ladies' Deposit, specifically catered to unmarried women and widows. In this context, Sarah stood out by dressing in her best clothes.