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Why Business Continuity Planning is Important for Small Business Owners
Business continuity planning increases the value of your business, whether a major disruption happens or not. EP Wealth's Regional Director, Cannon...
Women face unique financial challenges, but also powerful opportunities.
Our newest blog looks at why investing can be a critical tool for women seeking long-term security, independence, and a stronger financial future.
Women, Investing, and the Gender Wealth Gap
While progress has been made toward gender equality, financial equity remains an ongoing challenge for many women.
Despite earning more degrees and participating in the workforce at record levels, for many women, financial equity remains an elusive goal. Women still encounter the gender pay gap and obstacles to career advancement, as well as facing longer life expectancies and career interruptions due to caregiving responsibilities.
These hurdles make it even more critical that women make full use of the resources that are available to them. One of the most powerful ways women can take control of their financial futures is through investing. Investing is not just a tool for wealth accumulation; it is a means of empowerment, independence, and long-term security. Additionally, women have the potential to be powerful ethical investors, using their financial choices to support companies and causes that align with their values, promoting sustainability, gender equality, and corporate accountability.
The gender pay gap is well-documented, but the lesser-known gender wealth gap is even more troubling. Studies show that women retire with significantly less wealth than men, putting them at greater financial risk in their later years. One major reason is that women are less likely than men to invest their savings. Many hesitate due to a lack of confidence or a preference for cash over riskier, growth-oriented investments in the stock market. Yet women also tend to live longer than men, so they need their money to not just last, but to grow. Relying solely on savings is not enough. Inflation erodes the value of cash over time, making investment in assets that will grow faster than inflation a necessity rather than a luxury.
A common myth is that investing can be too complex for the average person. But the truth is, anyone can learn to invest. Studies have shown that women tend to be disciplined and competent investors, trading less frequently and making thoughtful, long-term financial decisions—qualities that lead to stronger investment returns.
The first step to overcoming the fear of investing is education. Financial literacy is essential, yet it is rarely emphasized in traditional schooling. Women must proactively seek financial education, and luckily, resources are plentiful. Books, podcasts, and online courses abound. Joining a supportive community of financially informed women, such as investment clubs or online chat groups, can also provide encouragement and practical insights. Financial professionals like planners and advisors can help fill the gaps.
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An investment portfolio can provide security during unexpected life events, or can be used to seed a new business, buy a home, or to support charitable causes.
Investing gives women a voice in shaping the economy. As more women invest, they can leverage their financial power to influence corporate policies on gender equality, diversity in leadership, ethical business practices, and commitments to environmental sustainability. Women are more likely than men to align their investments with their values, and in doing so, they can drive positive change and uplift other women.
Ethical investing is more than a trend; it is a movement that empowers women to use their money as a force for good.
Let’s challenge the notion that investing is only for the wealthy, for men, or for financial experts. By building knowledge and taking thoughtful action, more women can take control of their financial futures and view investing as an essential part of long-term planning.
DISCLOSURES
- EP Wealth Advisors, LLC. is registered as an investment advisor with the SEC and only transacts business in states where it is properly registered, or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the Commission nor does it indicate that the advisor has attained a particular level of skill or ability.
- Request an appointment with an EP Wealth Advisor when you have a minimum of $500,000 in investable assets – which includes qualified retirement plans (IRA, Roth IRA, 401(k), taxable brokerage, cash (savings / checking) and CDs. Investable assets do not include your home, vehicles, or collectibles.
- Hiring a qualified advisor and/or financial planner does not guarantee investment success, and does not ensure that a client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance or results. No guaranty or warranty is made that any direct or implied results or projections being represented here will be met or sustained.
- The need for a financial advisor or financial planner and/or the type of services required are specific to the uniqueness of each individual’s circumstances. There is no guarantee or warrantee that the services offered by EP Wealth Advisors, LLC will satisfy your specific financial services requirements. Services offered by other advisors may align more to your specific needs.
- Information presented is general in nature and should not be viewed as a comprehensive analysis of the topics discussed. It is intended to serve as a tool containing general information that should assist you in the development of subsequent discussions. Content does not involve the rendering of personalized investment advice nor is it intended to supplement professional individualized advice.
- EP Wealth Advisors (“EPWA”) makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, completeness, or relevance of any information presented. All expressions of option are subject to change without notice.
- The content of this report is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication and cannot and does not accurately forecast future economic, market, or financial conditions; including changes to retirement benefits, social security, and/or Medicare. For this reason, any subsequent changes, and/or that occur after the publication of this presentation may cause the analysis encompassed herein to become inaccurate. Any references to future market or economic forecasts are based on hypothetical assumptions that may never come to pass.
- All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. Different types of investments and investment strategies involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that any specific investment strategy will be suitable or profitable for a client’s portfolio. The risk of loss can never be eliminated even if working with a professional.
- The free financial health assessment referenced here is limited to, and can only be provided to, individuals with $500,000 or more in investable assets. The health assessment is limited to an initial call or meeting with an Investment Adviser Representative (IAR) of EP Wealth to discuss and assess your current financial situation and a subsequent follow-up meeting or call to share our thoughts. No additional services will be provided. EP Wealth Advisors’ obligation is limited to extending an offer to provide these services. It is the responsibility of the individual requesting the free health assessment to accept the service offered. No guarantee or warranty can be made that any of the information discussed or relayed in these meetings will be suitable or relevant. The free financial health assessment is limited in nature and is not intended to be regarded as an attempt to provide comprehensive financial advice.
