For many women, financial freedom can be extremely challenging to achieve. There are structural and systemic issues to compete with.  For women who exit the workforce to raise a family, the financial implications can be substantial. Although you cannot quantify the value and rewards of being a stay at home mother, this life choice often halts career progression and salary growth along with it, meaning that women often fall behind many of their male counterparts.

As we continue to strive for equality and more inclusive society, women’s long-term financial wellbeing could benefit enormously from them engaging more with their finances.

Having practised in the financial services industry for more than 4 years, I have met women at all different stages of life. Whether it is buying their first home, getting married, having a family, divorce or losing a partner. All these life events have a significant impact on finances and navigating through it can be difficult and confusing.

What can you do to ensure you are doing the best for you?

Super is Super

Did you know that the average super balance at retirement for women is around $231,000 and $454,000 for men?

As discussed above, this often comes down to time out of the workforce and part-time work. Although the Governments paid prenatal leave scheme is a massive step in the right direction, unfortunately, it does not currently include super contributions. However, many organisations are stepping up and paying super on parental leave.

Paying close attention to super is extremely important even from a young age. Keeping track of your balance, consolidating your super into one fund and ensuring it’s in the right investment option for you, are some very small steps that can help your financial future. There are a number of strategies that you can put in place to help increase your super whilst out of the workforce, which your financial adviser or accountant can assist with.

Think longer term

To think longer term, you need a plan. Things like paying off your mortgage or having family holidays are big-ticket items that cannot be achieved without having a plan in place that works for you. In most cases, once you do the hard work of crunching the numbers, a lot of it can be automated via your online banking. Check out the bucket method for budgeting if you haven’t already.

Those rainy-day situations

It is almost certain that life throws us unexpected curve balls, so it is important that you have a buffer for life’s ups and downs. These curveballs could be changes in your employment, relationships or even health issues. During these times, you want the plan that you have already put in place to come to fruition.

Get Involved

More and more I am seeing women becoming more involved in their family’s financial future – this is what excites me the most! Sharing duties across a household, regardless of stereotypes, provides a far superior outcome. 80% of women say their top financial priority is providing for their family’s day to day needs. Getting involved in the day to day finances of your household and being across your overall financial freedom strategy can really put you and your family ahead.

Let’s Talk

My biggest piece of advice is to start talking – start having these conversations with your partner, your family or professionals such as your financial adviser, to ensure what you are doing is right for you and your family. Good conversations about money can support your financial wellbeing throughout your life.  

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy International Women’s Day! Tomorrow is a day to acknowledge all women, to appreciate the sacrifices and to celebrate the accomplishments they have made and to continue striving to be a more equitable and inclusive society.