10/21/2026
Women aren't bad with money. In fact, research shows that women tend to have better investing results than men, because of their ability to stay invested through volatile markets.
Yet, a 2025 Citizens survey of 1,500 adults shows that 84% of women said they lacked confidence in their ability to manage an inheritance or other financial windfall. (To be fair, 73% of men also felt unprepared.) Nearly half of women respondents (45%) said they felt confused or overwhelmed about managing their personal wealth, compared to just 27% of men.
Where's the disconnect? It's some combination of lack of exposure to personal finances (particularly amongst Boomers) and a continuing hesitation on the part of women to take a seat at the table for money management and estate planning decisions.
How can we do better?
As a wealth manager and financial planner, I do my part by taking an educational approach with ALL of my clients - ensuring both women and men understand what financial strategies we're employing for their benefit and why.
Women, you can do your part by actively participating in how your money is managed - from monthly budgeting, to deciding on large purchases, to actively participating in meetings with your financial advisor, accountant, and/or attorneys. If your current team of professionals aren't encouraging your participation or aren't addressing your questions and needs, then it's time to find new advisors.
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