By Gregg Gonzalez, CFP®
For decades, the world of investing was often seen as a “man’s game.” But today, more women are flipping the script, building wealth on their own terms and creating financial freedom for themselves and their families.
Yet despite increasing financial power, many women still hesitate when it comes to investing. Studies show women are less likely than men to feel confident in their investment knowledge, but when they do invest, they often outperform their male counterparts thanks to disciplined, long-term strategies.
The takeaway? You don’t need to be perfect; you just need to start. Here’s how to build wealth with purpose and confidence.
1. Know Your ‘Why’ Before the ‘How’
Investing isn’t just about making money; it’s about supporting the life you want.
Ask yourself:
- What does financial independence mean to me?
- What am I investing for: retirement, education, travel, legacy?
- How do I want my money to reflect my values?
When your investments align with your goals and beliefs, you’re more likely to stay committed and confident.
2. Start Where You Are…Not Where You “Should Be”
Whether you’re just getting started or catching up after years of prioritizing others, every step forward counts.
Begin with:
- Opening an IRA or contributing to your 401(k) – even small amounts matter.
- Reviewing existing accounts to understand fees, performance, and allocations.
- Automating contributions to create consistency with confidence.
3. Invest with Knowledge, Not Fear
You don’t need a finance degree to invest. You need a solid understanding of the basics:
- Stocks = ownership with growth potential (and more risk).
- Bonds = lending money for income and stability.
- Mutual Funds/ETFs = diversified bundles of investments.
Consider starting with low-cost index funds and target-date funds, which are diversified and easier to manage.
4. Stay Focused on the Long Game
Women tend to invest more conservatively, which can limit long-term growth. While avoiding risk is natural, too much caution can hurt your future self.
Confidence-building strategies:
- Diversify across asset classes to manage risk.
- Tune out short-term market noise.
- Revisit your plan annually, not daily.
Remember: time in the market beats timing the market.
5. Work with the Right Support Team
A trusted financial advisor, especially one who listens and explains without jargon, can be a game changer.
Look for someone who:
- Respects your goals and values.
- Educates and empowers you.
- Helps you understand why you’re making certain investments, not just what.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your advisor works for you.
You Deserve to Feel Empowered Around Money
Taking charge of your investments isn’t about being aggressive; it’s about being intentional. When you build wealth with clarity and purpose, you create more than financial confidence. You create options, freedom, and confidence in every chapter of your life.
Are you ready to feel confident in your financial decisions?
Let’s talk about building a plan and a portfolio that reflects your goals, your values, and your future.
Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.
Stock investing includes risks, including fluctuating prices and loss of principal.
Bonds are subject to market and interest rate risk if sold prior to maturity. Bond values will decline as interest rates rise, and bonds are subject to availability and change in price.
Investing in mutual funds involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Fund value will fluctuate with market conditions, and it may not achieve its investment objective.
ETFs trade, like stocks, are subject to investment risk, fluctuate in market value, and may trade at prices above or below the ETF’s net asset value (NAV). Upon redemption, the value of fund shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. ETFs carry additional risks such as not being diversified, possible trading halts, and index tracking errors.
Contributions to a traditional IRA may be tax deductible in the contribution year, with current income tax due at withdrawal. Withdrawals prior to age 59 ½ may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax in addition to current income tax.
A Roth IRA offers tax deferral on any earnings in the account. Qualified withdrawals of earnings from the account are tax-free. Withdrawals of earnings prior to age 59 ½ or prior to the account being opened for 5 years, whichever is later, may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax. Limitations and restrictions may apply.
