by
Craig Hall
| Mar 19, 2025
Moving Forward Together – Women, Wealth & Legacy
Women today are shaping the future of wealth management. They control more than half of private wealth in the U.S. and are expected to inherit 70% of the wealth transferred over the next 40 years. With this growing influence comes a significant opportunity—but also a responsibility—to take an active role in financial planning, investing, and long-term wealth management.
Despite this financial power, studies show that only 26% of women feel confident in their investment decisions. Many women defer major financial choices to partners or hesitate to take on risk in their portfolios. But confidence in financial planning doesn’t come from innate knowledge—it comes from education, preparation, and taking proactive steps toward long-term financial security.
Julie Parisio Roy, CFA®, CFP®, CEO & Wealth Manager:
“Women today have more financial influence than ever before. The key is making sure they have the knowledge and confidence to put that influence to work in their favor.”
Whether you’re just starting to build wealth, planning for retirement, or looking to leave a legacy, financial independence is possible at every stage of life. Here’s how you can take charge of your financial future and move forward with confidence.
1. Establishing a Strong Financial Foundation
Building financial confidence starts with creating a strong foundation. Just like a house needs a solid structure to withstand time and uncertainty, your financial plan should be designed to weather life’s challenges.
Key Strategies:
Know Where Your Money Is – How is your money invested and are you utilizing different types of accounts to their benefit? Each account should have it’s own unique investment mandate.
Know Where Your Money is Going – A detailed budget helps ensure that your spending aligns with your priorities and long-term goals. Take time to categorize expenses into needs, wants, and savings to gain clarity on cash flow.
Manage Debt Strategically – Not all debt is bad, but high-interest debt like credit cards can create significant financial strain. A solid debt repayment plan—such as the snowball or avalanche method—can help you pay it down faster while still allowing for long-term investing.
Julie Parisio Roy: "I always encourage clients to focus on clarity—knowing where their money is going is the first step to making empowered financial decisions."
Actionable Tip: Schedule time for a financial check up with yourself or your financial advisor to ensure you have a good understanding of how your money is positioned and your performance, both as an investor and a saver.
2. Investing with Confidence – Taking Control of Wealth
Investing is one of the most powerful tools for building long-term wealth, yet many women hesitate due to perceived risk and lack of confidence in navigating the markets. Research, however, shows that when women do invest, they often achieve better long-term returns than men because of their patient, goal-oriented approach.
Key Strategies:
Understand Risk & Reward – Women are more likely to prioritize stability over speculation, which can be an advantage in building long-term financial security. Understanding your risk tolerance is key to making informed, strategic investment decisions that align with your financial goals.
Choose Individual Securities for Customization – At Badgley Phelps, we take an active investment approach, selecting individual stocks and bonds rather than pooled investment vehicles like mutual funds. This allows for greater transparency, flexibility, tax management and portfolio personalization.
Diversify for Stability – A well-balanced portfolio includes a mix of:
Growth stocks for long-term appreciation
Value stocks for stability
Small/mid-cap stocks for market exposure
International stocks for diversification
Municipal bonds for tax-efficient income
Invest Consistently – The best way to build wealth over time is by starting early and staying invested. Even small contributions—through an employer-sponsored retirement plan or individual brokerage account—can compound significantly over time.
Julie Parisio Roy: "The key is getting started. Women are often better long-term investors because they stay the course, but taking that first step is crucial."
Actionable Tip: Work with a wealth manager to develop an investment strategy that aligns with your goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.
3. Maximizing Retirement Savings & Long-Term Financial Planning
Women, on average, live longer than men, which means they need to plan for a longer retirement. Financial independence in later years starts with smart, proactive retirement planning.
Key Strategies:
Maximize 401(k) Contributions – Contributing enough to receive the full employer match is essential—it’s essentially free money for your future.
Leverage IRAs & Roth IRAs – Traditional IRAs offer tax-deferred growth, while Roth IRAs provide tax-free withdrawals in retirement. Diversifying between the two can provide greater tax flexibility later in life.
Utilize Catch-Up Contributions – Women over 50 can contribute extra to their 401(k) or IRA, helping close the retirement savings gap.
Create a Sustainable Withdrawal Strategy – A well-structured retirement income plan can help ensure you don’t outlive your savings.
Julie Parisio Roy: "Longevity is a factor women must plan for—ensuring retirement savings last over a longer time horizon is one of the most important aspects of financial independence."
Actionable Tip: Regularly review your retirement and lifetime income plan with a wealth manager to account for inflation and adjust as needed for market shifts.
4. Preparing for Life Transitions – Career, Divorce & Inheritance
Life transitions—both expected and unexpected—can have a major financial impact. Whether changing careers, going through a divorce, or managing an inheritance, having a plan in place helps ensure financial security.
Key Strategies:
Career Advancement & Salary Negotiation – Advocating for fair compensation and leveraging employer-sponsored benefits can increase lifetime earnings and retirement savings.
Navigating Divorce with Confidence – Understanding asset division, spousal support, and tax implications is essential in ensuring long-term financial stability.
Managing an Inheritance Wisely – Whether inheriting wealth from parents or a spouse, creating a structured financial plan helps maximize its long-term impact.
Julie Parisio Roy: "Financial independence means having a plan in place for life's transitions. Whether it's career shifts, divorce, or inheritance, preparation is key."
Actionable Tip: Work with a wealth manager to review financial documents, estate plans, and asset allocations during major life changes.
5. Structuring Wealth for the Next Generation
Women play a pivotal role in shaping financial literacy within their families and ensuring wealth is transferred responsibly.
Key Strategies:
Teach Financial Literacy to Heirs – Involving children and young adults in money discussions and investment planning helps them develop strong financial habits.
Create a Comprehensive Estate Plan – Wills, trusts, and structured wealth transfer plans ensure assets are protected.
Align Wealth with Personal Values – Donor-advised funds and philanthropic giving strategies can create a lasting impact.
Julie Parisio Roy: "One of the greatest gifts we can give future generations is financial knowledge."
Actionable Tip: Hold annual family financial discussions to ensure your heirs are prepared to manage inherited wealth.
Take the Next Step Toward Financial Confidence
Women have more financial power than ever before. By taking control of investments, retirement planning, and wealth transfer strategies, they can create a secure, independent financial future.
Take the next step in your financial journey—connect with a Badgley Phelps wealth manager today to create a plan tailored to your goals.
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