Stress is the number one emotion that women feel toward money and their financial situations when compared to men, according to a recent study done by Fidelity. Yet as women continue to gather together and learn more about finances, they are starting to take charge and are hopeful for their future.
The study found 90% of women are taking action to improve their money situation. Fidelity has found that from 2019 to 2022, women opening up new retail accounts has improved by 65% compared to men, which has only improved by 60%.
Women are finding encouragement from other women. The study says that 53% of women have said that talking with peers and other women about money has helped build their confidence. 66% of Gen Z and Millennials prefer to learn about finance and money topics from other women.
In this new generation, when outspoken women are starting to dominate the financial sectors, other women are seeing that they no longer have to fear the topics of money. They can now take control of their financial situations and make them better.
Feeling Stressed Out?
Money can be a significant stressor in many people’s lives, but it may affect different people differently.
“In general, women get more stressed about money because they are more security conscience than men,” says Angela Dorsey, CFP, MBA, Founder and Financial Planner of Dorsey Wealth Management. She suggests that women want to feel safe from running out of money but stay very conservative with their financial decisions due to a lack of confidence in personal finance.
They can become too conservative as they feel the need to be protected from the running of money, and this conservative behavior could create even worse ripple effects in their financial futures.
“The biggest mistake I see a lot of my female clients make is not investing as much of their money,” says Jen Swindler, CFP, AFC, and founder of Money Illustrated. She also suggests that a lack of knowledge on how to invest creates this risk-averse behavior among her clients.
Historically, lack of knowledge has severely hampered women’s financial futures; as more and more financial planners are starting to educate women, it is opening the doors to new possibilities. It’s also worth noting that women and men have different priorities with money.
“It is about goals that are meaningful to them like – not running out of money, taking care of the family, and going on vacations with grandkids,” suggested Dorsey.
It is time for women to start thinking about their financial goals and how to achieve them. It begins with education, but finding a good financial advisor to trust or one that listens to you is challenging.
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Listen First
As the earlier study suggested, 66% of Gen Z and Millennial women prefer to learn about finances from women. It starts with making it personal and not talking down to someone.
It has been found that more than 70% of women choose different advisors after their husbands have passed.
Dorsey suggests that women need to be shown that they will not run out of money, how long-term investing works, and have some education. There are no stupid questions, just questions warranting a personal approach to help the client achieve financial success.
Female advisors also help women feel empowered by asking those questions and discussing fears and anxieties. Jen Swindler adds, “women are often more comfortable opening up about the emotional aspects of money (i.e. fear, shame, anxiety) when working with a female advisor.”
It is all about listening more than speaking. Anyone dealing with money could have different stresses in life and priorities, and to be someone who puts people at ease and takes their clients seriously to improve their circumstances can help advance these women.
Women are starting to earn as much as men, achieving high successes like men, and now are taking personal finance seriously and reaching incredible heights. It is no longer a men-dominated space, but now women can take control of their money.
In the last couple of years, financial knowledge and education have spread over the internet giving confidence to many people to take control of their money situations. One of the largest groups is women. With more women creating accounts than men, it should be no surprise to see many more wealthy women and female financial advisors and planners dominating the space. It is a time not to stress but to learn, be educated, and take control of your money.
About the author
Contributing Writer, Wealthtender
Liam Gibson is a Taiwan-based freelance journalist who covers tech, geopolitics, and finance. He has written for Al Jazeera, Nikkei Asia Review, South China Morning Post, Straits Times, National Interest, and has appeared in Fortune Magazine, and several other international media outlets.
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Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be considered financial advice. You should consult a financial professional before making any major financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do women face unique financial planning challenges?
Women live longer than men on average, so their savings often need to last more years, and they are more likely to outlive a spouse and manage finances alone later in life. Time out of the workforce for caregiving can also mean fewer years of retirement contributions and a smaller Social Security earnings record. Planning for longevity, protecting income and investing consistently can help close those gaps.
Can a stay-at-home spouse contribute to an IRA?
Yes. A spouse without earned income can contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA based on the working spouse’s taxable compensation, as long as the couple files a joint tax return. For 2026, each spouse can contribute up to $7,500, plus a $1,100 catch-up contribution at age 50 or older, provided the couple’s combined contributions don’t exceed the compensation reported on the joint return. A spousal IRA is one of the simplest ways to keep building retirement savings during a career break.
Should women choose a female financial advisor?
Many women prefer working with a female advisor because they feel more comfortable discussing the emotional side of money, and that preference is a valid reason to choose one. What matters most is finding someone who acts as a fiduciary, explains fees clearly and listens to your goals before making recommendations. Credentials such as the Certified Financial Planner designation can also help you narrow the field.
How can women build confidence investing?
Start by learning the basics and taking small, consistent steps, such as automating contributions to a retirement account or a low-cost diversified fund. Talking openly about money with friends, family or peer groups can make the topic less intimidating. Being overly conservative carries its own risk, since cash and very safe investments may not keep pace with inflation over a long retirement.