Myths About Women and Investing
Women have made incredible progress toward financial independence, yet significant barriers persist. One of the biggest is the gender pay gap, with women earning just 84 cents for every dollar a man earns—adding up to serious long-term financial consequences. Investing is a powerful way for financial empowerment, but myths and stereotypes often stop women from getting started.
We spoke with three seasoned Wealth Advisors—Taylor Ahern, Guadalupe Galvan, and Jordan Rehagen—who have guided countless women in gaining control over their finances and starting their investing journeys. They’ve identified common myths that often hold women back and are here to debunk these misconceptions, empowering women to confidently shape their financial futures.
Myth 1: Women aren’t naturally skilled at investing.
There’s a stereotype that women don’t have the skills needed to be successful investors. This assumption overlooks the unique strengths women bring to the table. What do you have to say about this myth?
Jordan: “Women bring a level of patience and diligence that’s a huge asset in investing. They’re not afraid to ask questions and make informed choices, which helps contribute to their success over time.”
Guadalupe: “In my experience, women excel at strategic thinking and are more inclined to focus on long-term stability. They’re not driven by impulsive decisions, which actually makes them highly effective investors.”
Myth 2: Investing is too risky for women.
Many people believe that women are too risk-averse to succeed in investing. While women may be more cautious, is this really a disadvantage?
Taylor: “Women tend to be careful and want to make sure they’re making smart choices. They look for stability, which can be a strength in the long run. What’s important for people to understand is that taking on risk in a calculated way isn’t a limitation—it’s a strategy.”
Jordan: “Investing isn’t about avoiding risk altogether. I work with clients to help them understand and manage risk, so they feel confident, not fearful, about their financial journey. I don’t think this is a disadvantage, but rather, an opportunity to learn.”
Myth 3: Women need to know everything about investing before they start.
Another common myth is that women need a deep understanding of the stock market or investing before they can begin. But is this really the case?
Guadalupe: “Investing is a learning journey, and no one starts out knowing it all. My clients learn as they go, with our guidance along the way. The important thing is to begin, even with knowing just the basics.”
Taylor: “There are so many resources now that make it easy to get started, and as Wealth Advisors, we’re here to support that process. When my women clients see how approachable it can be, they’re excited to keep learning and investing.”
Myth 4: You need a lot of money to start investing.
Many women assume they need a significant amount of money to begin investing, which can be discouraging. But is it really necessary to start with a large sum?
Jordan: “A lot of women I work with are surprised to find that even modest investments can grow significantly. Consistency and starting early are a lot more important than the initial amount.”
Guadalupe: “Most women that I come across are great savers, and that’s a perfect foundation. We can create a plan that fits their budget and goals, no matter the starting amount. After all, you do have to start somewhere.”
Myth 5: Investing is too time-consuming for busy women.
With work, family, and other responsibilities, women may worry they don’t have the time to manage investments. But does investing really require a major time commitment?
Taylor: “Investing is one of those things where it only takes up as much time as you would like it to. We can set up options that require minimal time commitment, with simple check-ins to keep things on track. This way, clients can stay focused on what’s important to them while knowing their finances are in good hands.”
Jordan: “As Wealth Advisors, we’re here to manage the day-to-day so our clients don’t have to. Just a quick check-in or call is often all that’s needed to keep everything running smoothly.”
Myth 6: Women aren’t interested in investing.
Finally, there’s an assumption that women aren’t as interested in investing as men. But more women are eager to invest as they recognize the importance of financial independence and security. What do you have to say about this myth?
Guadalupe: “In my experience, most women are very interested in securing their financial futures, and they’re just as motivated as anyone else. The truth is that this field is often dominated by males, which can make investing seem intimidating. Working with an advisor, especially another woman who respects their goals makes a huge difference.”
Taylor: “Women are often motivated by long-term goals for themselves and their families. When they feel empowered and supported, they’re highly driven to succeed.”
Myths about women and investing often make investing seem intimidating or out of reach. But with the guidance from an experienced Wealth Advisor, women can confidently take charge of their financial futures. By dispelling these myths, we hope to inspire more women to view investing as a powerful and attainable way to secure financial peace of mind.
