Women: Know Your Finances

It’s a fact: Statistically, women live longer than men.* Also, women are often less confident than men about making financial and investing decisions. As a woman, taking a proactive role in planning your financial future may help you achieve a comfortable retirement lifestyle.

Why Are Women Behind?

Women tend to lag behind in accumulating assets because they’re more likely than men to leave the workforce to care for young children or, in later years, to act as caregivers for elderly family members. Spending time away from a job may mean missing out on several years of contributing to an employer’s retirement plan. It can also result in lost opportunities for promotion and the salary increases that would bring.

Ultimately, being out of the workforce can mean lower Social Security benefits — and thus less income — in retirement. And a woman’s longer life expectancy may contribute to higher lifetime healthcare costs as well.

Take Charge of Your Finances

Take steps that will make a difference in your financial outlook. Consider those that are appropriate for you.

• Work as long as possible to maximize your savings and your Social Security benefits.


• Contribute the maximum amount to an employer’s retirement plan account. Consider contributing to an IRA, which may or may not be tax deductible, depending on the plan type and qualification requirements.


• Take more investment risk if your tolerance allows. Investing too conservatively can slow progress toward your savings goals, so don’t rely on only fixed-income investments.


• Create an emergency fund.


• Consider if you’re married but not working, your spouse may be able to contribute up to $6,000 ($7,000 if you’re age 50 or older) to a spousal IRA for you.


• If you think your sources of income, such as Social Security and any pensions, won ‘t cover your expenses in retirement, investing in an annuity that will generate regular income to help fill the gap.


• Reduce your living expenses by moving to an area with lower taxes and housing costs. If you’re not married, consider sharing a residence with friends

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Consult your financial professional before making any significant changes

* https://www.voanews.com/science-health/new-study-looks-why-females-live-longer-males