Women and Wealth: Why Now Is the Time to Take Control of Your Financial Future
Apr 07, 2025
At Talk Money with Tish, we believe wealth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about empowerment, legacy, and ownership. The latest Empowered Encore Whitepaper from Sammons Financial shows that women are poised to lead the next big shift in wealth—and yet many still feel unprepared when it comes to long-term financial planning.
Let’s break down the key findings and what they mean for women ready to take charge of their financial futures.
The Great Wealth Transfer Is Here
Women are expected to control $34 trillion in U.S. assets by 2030. This shift is being driven by:
- Higher college graduation rates among women
- Rapid growth in women-led businesses
- Increased longevity (women outlive men by nearly 6 years)
- Delayed marriage and childbearing, allowing for greater career advancement
Yet despite this momentum, most women still face real challenges in retirement planning.
The Financial Confidence Gap
The research revealed significant gaps between women and men when it comes to retirement readiness:
- 8% fewer women have annuities
- 5% fewer have life insurance
- 15% fewer report total investments
And perhaps more importantly, women between ages 45–64 are 87% more likely to feel uncertain about their retirement than men in the same age group.
"Your confidence grows when you have a strategy—and a support system to back it."
5 Key Risks Women Face in Retirement
- Longevity Risk – Living longer means needing income that lasts longer.
Solution: Annuities with guaranteed lifetime income. - Lower Lifetime Earnings – Due to wage gaps and caregiving roles.
Solution: Maximize retirement accounts and start saving early. - Healthcare Costs – Longer life spans come with greater medical expenses.
Solution: Plan for long-term care with insurance and designated savings. - Gray Divorce – Divorce later in life can cut retirement savings in half.
Solution: Seek legal and financial counsel early and revisit your retirement plan. - Lack of Confidence – Many women don’t feel equipped to make financial decisions.
Solution: Partner with a financial professional and build financial literacy.
Why Working with a Financial Professional Matters
According to the study, 47% of women say working with a financial professional helps reduce stress and build peace of mind. Women shared that having a trusted advisor:
- Made them feel empowered and accountable
- Reduced anxiety about the future
- Provided structure and personalized guidance
Yet many still rely on friends, family, or online sources—when professional guidance could help them plan with purpose.
What Women Want: Clear Guidance
Women in the survey were most interested in:
- Investment strategies and money management
- Personal retirement planning updates
- Tax and estate planning
- Annuity and income solutions
This tells us that women are hungry for education—not just about how to invest, but how to strategically protect, grow, and pass down their wealth.
What You Can Do Now
✅ Start early and save more. Aim to save 15%+ of your income annually and take advantage of any employer retirement match.
✅ Plan for healthcare costs. Long-term care insurance and savings strategies are key.
✅ Design for longevity. Use annuities and other reliable income sources to build a retirement that can last 20–30 years or more.
✅ Stay flexible and informed. Have a backup plan, and regularly revisit your financial strategy.
✅ Build your team. Partner with professionals—financial professionals, CPAs, estate attorneys—to protect every part of your plan.
Final Thoughts from TMWT
Ladies, this is your moment. The financial future is female—but it won’t build itself. Whether you’re managing your own retirement, helping aging parents, or navigating a career pivot, now is the time to build your confidence and your financial plan.
At Talk Money with Tish, we love helping women step into their financial power—with clarity, strategy, and legacy in mind.
Let’s make your money work for your future.