Fact vs. Fiction: Women in Investing
Women are achieving new milestones in financial independence every day, yet many still face challenges when it comes to investing. Common misconceptions can discourage women from taking the first step toward building wealth. By understanding and addressing these barriers, women can unlock the full potential of their financial futures.
We spoke with three experienced Wealth Advisors - Taylor Ahern, Guadalupe Galvan, and Jordan Rehagen - who have helped numerous women navigate their investing journeys. They’re here to provide insights to empower women to confidently take charge of their financial goals.
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.”
The myths surrounding women and investing often create unnecessary barriers. With guidance from a knowledgeable Wealth Advisor, women can overcome these misconceptions and take control of their financial futures. By starting small, staying consistent, and seeking the right support, investing becomes an empowering step toward long-term financial confidence.
