Bridging the Confidence Gap: Women and Financial Independence

An older and youger woman working on a laptop

Reflecting on my collegiate years, I already had a passion for community outreach, specifically supporting those who were not confident or empowered in their personal relationship with money. I was a part of a peer-to-peer organization, Red to Black, at Texas Tech University, where I volunteered to coach my fellow classmates with the goal of enabling them with the knowledge and resources to take control of their financial future. Red to Black provided one-on-one financial counseling and workshops to help students with budgeting, credit management, and more—it was incredibly fulfilling to see others grow in their confidence and skills.

Fast forward to today, after nearly a decade in the financial industry, working with individuals and couples as they approach their retirement years, I have discovered another community that needs similar support: women navigating major life transitions. As Annamaria Lusardi, an economics professor at Dartmouth College, points out, “Research has shown that women, even professional women with good jobs and successful careers, tend to be less financially literate than men.”

I can certainly speak to this from personal experience. As a woman in the financial industry, I’m often approached by other women looking to learn but unsure of where to start. The questions they ask and the vulnerability they share reinforce the need for guidance, education, and encouragement in financial matters.

Understanding the Financial Confidence Gap Among Women

Recently, I met with a couple retiring after a highly successful 35-year career. During our conversations, something that stood out was the lack of confidence—and frankly, fear—the spouse expressed about transitioning from a steady paycheck to relying on the personal nest egg they had worked so hard to build. This transition can be daunting for anyone, but as we talked, it became clear that her fear was rooted in a deeper concern: someday, she might be solely responsible for managing the family finances.

This is not an uncommon sentiment. According to the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, “Two times more widows than widowers say their spouse’s death carried significant negative financial consequences during the first year after their loss.” These concerns are valid, but they don’t have to remain overwhelming. With the right tools and support, women can build the financial confidence they need to navigate any transition.

Download our free guide on issues to consider if your spouse passes away.

Actionable Steps to Build Financial Confidence

To address these concerns, we developed a plan that focused on building her financial literacy and creating a foundation for her to feel empowered. Here are some of the steps we took:

Completing a Family Information Organizer Together: This exercise prompted the couple to discuss essential household details, such as where life insurance policies are stored and how bills get paid. Having a centralized document ensures both spouses are informed and prepared.
Preparing a Cash Reserve Illustration: Now that day-to-day expenses would come from their portfolio, we created a visual representation of how money would flow. Linking a joint checking account was step one, ensuring that funds wouldn’t be restricted if something happened to either spouse.
Scheduling Independent Reviews of Investment Statements: Reviewing statements one-on-one with the advising team allowed her to engage in a comfortable setting that suited her learning style. This fostered a sense of self-sufficiency and gave her confidence in understanding their investments.

Empowering Women at Every Stage of Life

My goal, not only as a financial advisor but as a woman, is to engage and empower as many women as possible—single, married, divorced, or widowed—to build a solid foundation for financial independence. Whether it’s through structured learning, personalized advice, or fostering open discussions, I want every individual to feel equipped to make financial decisions confidently.

While my role as a financial advisor is to provide expertise and help clients navigate the complexities of financial planning, my personal mission is to ensure that every woman I work with feels capable and confident in the decisions she makes. Financial independence is not just about numbers—it’s about peace of mind and self-assurance.

Read more expert insights on financial independence for women.

Take the First Step Toward Financial Confidence

If you’re ready to take control of your financial future, let’s start the conversation. Connect with an advisor, and together we’ll chart a path to clarity and confidence in your financial journey