Women & Money: 5 Steps to Financial Empowerment

Given the amount of research available, it’s safe to say there are intriguing paradoxes about women’s relationship with money. According to a recent report on women and retirement, women in their 50s who are married and in two-income households are at the most financial risk in retirement.

You may have thought that women in two-income households have a leg up for retirement security over their single, one-income household counterparts. Turns out, there are several root reasons for these results:

• Two-income households typically make more, but save less, spending more on expenses such as two cars and bigger houses.
• Married women in two-income households aren’t saving as much as they could in workplace retirement plans. According to the findings in the same report, in half of the two-earner couples, only one earner is covered by an employer retirement plan.
• The average 401(k) savings rate for one-income households and two-income, two-saver households is typically around 8% to 9% of household earnings compared to the average savings rate for two-income, one-saver households, which is only 4.9% of household earnings.

In spite of professional advances, it seems as though women are still struggling against cultural stereotypes that, whether we like it or not, impact how many relate to money.

Here are five practical things women can do to engage more directly with their finances today.

1. Make retirement a top priority.

Take advantage of workplace retirement guidance. A recent study shows that sixty-five percent of women aren’t taking advantage of retirement guidance available to them through their workplace plan provider. Check with your employer to see if they offer onsite financial workshops or one-on-one guidance.

Women can often put the needs of others ahead of their own, but when it comes to retirement savings, it’s important to be more focused on your own needs. Contribute to your 401(k) or other employer plan at least up to the company match, and more if possible. If you don’t have a company plan, open an IRA. According to the 2018 Profile of Older Americans, almost half of women 75 and older live alone, so it’s important to be prepared.

2. Don’t just save–invest.

What seems to have the most impact on investor behavior is the level of financial knowledge. Women may know as much as men and may have more experience than they give themselves credit for, but they tend to show less confidence in their investment knowledge. (Source: Family Wealth Report, 2019).

Studies also tell us that overall, women invest 40 percent less money than men do. That hesitancy puts women at a huge disadvantage, especially long-term such as in retirement. This translates to the need for women to take a bit more risk by diversifying their stock portfolios to position for growth.

3. Find a financial “buddy.”

Studies have found that a majority of women refrain from discussing finances with friends or family because the topic of money was “too personal.” A large percentage also say they were raised not to discuss finances and that the issue is taboo.

It’s tough to talk about money when women are socialized to keep this kind of information private. It’s important, though, to make time on a regular basis to discuss financial matters with a trustworthy friend, family member, mentor, or financial expert. Tackling financial goals can become less overwhelming and more attainable. Think of it in the same way that “gym buddies” keep each other motivated; financial confidantes can help both parties make progress and stay accountable.

4. Create a financial plan.

Having a financial plan can make a huge difference for a woman’s sense of financial security. A financial plan goes beyond saving and investing to look at all the interrelated parts of your financial life holistically. It reviews income, expenses, investments, insurance coverage, income tax liability, retirement planning, estate planning and how they all work together, and give you a roadmap to follow.

5. Use your voice.

Whether you are single or married, you need to be actively involved in your financial life. It’s your money and your life–you are in charge! Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek out help when you need it. If you prefer to learn about money in person and from each other, stay on top of your finances and share your experiences by talking to other women. Become the CEO of your own financial life.

Women are poised to take charge of their financial lives. To achieve the goals and life you deserve, take action now to ensure your money is working just as hard as you do.

Source: Balance Financial Fitness