Hey it’s Coach Lisa and I want to shine the light on an important issue, which is women are often behind when it comes to retirement. Despite working hard and contributing to the workforce, many women face unique challenges that can impact their ability to save enough for retirement. So, I want to share with you why this disparity exists and provide some practical tips to help women catch up and secure their financial future.
According to a report by the National Institute on Retirement Security,
women are 80% more likely than men to be
impoverished at age 65 and older.
Women face several factors that contribute to their retirement savings gap. According to a report by the National Institute on Retirement Security, “women are 80% more likely than men to be impoverished at age 65 and older”. On average, women also tend to earn less than men due to factors like the gender pay gap and career interruptions for caregiving responsibilities. The Gender Wage Gap report by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) indicates that women earn 82 cents for every dollar earned by men.
Additionally, women typically live longer than men, which means they need to save more to support themselves in retirement. These challenges, combined with lower participation in retirement plans and investment options, can leave many women struggling to build sufficient retirement savings.
So, what can women do to better prepare for retirement?
Educate Yourself: Learn about retirement savings options, investment strategies, and financial planning to make informed decisions.
Maximize Retirement Contributions: Contribute the maximum amount allowed to retirement accounts such as 401(k)s, IRAs, or Roth IRAs.
Advocate for Equal Pay: Advocate for fair pay practices and negotiate salaries to close the gender wage gap.
Prioritize Savings: Make saving for retirement a priority by setting aside a portion of each paycheck and automating contributions.
Seek Professional Advice: Consider consulting a financial advisor who specializes in retirement planning to create a personalized strategy tailored to your goals and circumstances.
Closing the retirement savings gap for women requires awareness, action, and support. By understanding the unique challenges women face and taking proactive steps to save and invest wisely, women can work towards a secure and comfortable retirement.
At Triple Money Management Matters, we're here to provide guidance and resources to help women take control of their financial futures. Together, we can empower women to overcome obstacles and achieve their retirement goals.
About the Author
Lisa Bailey-Stringer is a Financial Empowerment Coach, Entrepreneur, Speaker and Author. She empowers women throughout the US to become financially savvy through her coaching, books, courses, and trainings. Through her financial coaching, she is able to help her clients see faster results through customized financial goals and resources.