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4 financial considerations for women

For women, several considerations can have a big impact on your financial life — longer lifespans, the persistent gender pay gap, greater time spent out of the workforce and growing wealth are just a few. As the world continues to feel the effects of the pandemic and roles at home and work are in flux, these realities are emphasized even more.

Here are four financial tips that can help women take control of their financial future:

1. Understand real impacts of the gender pay gap

Despite advancements, the gender pay gap remains a reality. Women who work full-time earn an average of 83 cents to every dollar that full-time, working men earn.1 This discrepancy can cost American women between $700,000 to $2 million over a working lifetime.1

What you can do:

  • Where appropriate, don’t be afraid to negotiate for a higher salary.
  • A financial tip for you to consider is regularly saving a greater percentage of your income than the average man.
  • Think about partnering with a financial advisor early in your career. They can develop an investment strategy for you that is personalized to your goals and may help you reap the benefits of having savings grow more over the long-term.

In the chart below, the difference between the person who begins investing at age 35 versus the one who starts at age 55 is $335,178, even though the 55-year-old saves more per year, on average.

Investment starting age

Source: Investment Returns Calculator, calculated for time horizon and annual contribution amount. The example is hypothetical and assumes a 6% annual rate of return. The figures do not reflect taxes, investment or product fees or expenses which would reduce the figures shown here or imply any guaranteed rate of return.

2. Be mindful of your financial and/or career progress

Women often juggle multiple responsibilities and are more likely to face career interruptions due to childcare, caring for aging parents or providing other family assistance. Time away from the workforce — can impact financial and career progress.

What you can do: An important financial planning tip for women is to take time to review your finances with your Ameriprise financial advisor, who will help you make adjustments to stay aligned with your goals and priorities.

3. Invest with intention

Women’s wealth in the U.S. and around the world is increasing. With that, so is women’s impact on the economy. In fact, women now control a third of U.S. household financial assets — more than $10 trillion. And by 2030, a massive wealth transfer is expected: American women are projected to be the recipients of the majority of $30 trillion in financial assets.2

What you can do: Make your money work for you. For women, financial planning and investing with intention and confidence can be one of the best ways to build savings and help you achieve your financial goals. An Ameriprise financial advisor will help you develop a long-term investment strategy that can help you improve the growth potential of your investment portfolio over time, while considering your:

  • Goals such as retirement, travel, home improvement and college for your children or grandchildren.
  • Time horizon to achieve your financial goals.
  • Investment risk tolerance, or your ability to ride out short-term market volatility for potential long-term gains.

4. Prepare to potentially live longer

Women live an average of 5.9 years longer than men, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.3 With more time in retirement, your money will need to last longer to cover living and healthcare expenses.

What you can do: Talk to an Ameriprise financial advisor for tips and advice specific to women. Consider balancing growth-oriented investments with guaranteed and more stable income sources in retirement. Growth-oriented investments often include stocks, while guaranteed and stable income sources include:

  • Social Security benefits, which are available to you beginning at age 62, unless you meet certain requirements
  • Pensions
  • Annuities in payout
  • Certificates of deposit through a bank, which earn a fixed interest rate

Your Ameriprise financial advisor will help you develop a strategy that considers the expenses associated with a longer lifespan. 

Feel more confident in your future

The unique circumstances women face highlight the importance of building financial confidence throughout a lifetime. Your Ameriprise financial advisor will provide financial advice tailored to women to help you evaluate these varying factors, among others, to help you stay on track to achieve your financial goals.

An Ameriprise financial advisor can help you identify steps to take control of your financial future.

Or, request an appointment online to speak with an advisor.

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At Ameriprise, the financial advice we give each of our clients is personalized, based on your goals and no one else's. 

If you know someone who could benefit from a conversation, please refer me.

Background and qualification information is available at FINRA's BrokerCheck website.

1United States Census Bureau, as of March 1, 2022.

 

2Women are gaining power when it comes to money – here’s why that’s a big deal, CNBC, May 10th, 2022

 

3Life Expectancy in the U.S. Dropped for the Second Year in a Row in 2021, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, August 31, 2022

 

This information is being provided only as a general source of information and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any securities, accounts or strategies mentioned.  The information is not intended to be used as the sole basis for investment decisions, nor should it be construed as a recommendation or advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual investor. Please seek the advice of a financial advisor regarding your particular financial situation.

 

Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results.

 

Guarantee, as used in this material, depends upon the ability of the issuing entity to honor and pay the amount you may be entitled to. U.S. Government bonds are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. Certificate of Deposits are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per depositor. Insurance and annuity products are subject to the claims paying ability of the issuing company.  On variable annuities, the guarantee does not apply to the performance of the variable subaccounts, which will vary with market conditions. It is possible that an issuing entity may not be financially able to meet income guarantee obligations.

 

Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value.

 

Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser.  

 

Securities offered by Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SPIC.


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