Women and Money: A System That Isn’t Equal

Talking with Thalia: Managing money isn’t always easy and for many women, it’s even harder due to factors like the gender wage gap. Studies show 37% of women say they’re unable to save money compared to 22% of men. Wealth management CEO Robert Schein of Blankie Schein Wealth Management shares why financial confidence is critical for women.

Schein shares simple steps anyone can take to get started, emphasizing that financial education builds confidence over time. He also highlights the upcoming Confidence Summit, a one-day wealth and wellness event (2/28/26) at the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage, featuring industry experts, personal success stories, and keynote speaker J.J. Virgin. With the event selling out every year, Schein encourages women to invest in themselves, bring a friend, and take a day to focus on their financial well-being. For Tickets: https://www.societyofthefew.org/

💰 1. Earnings & Income Gaps

• On average, women in full-time, year-round jobs earn about 83–85¢ for every dollar earned by men in the U.S., reflecting a persistent wage gap.

• The earnings gap widens with age: women aged 45–54 earn about 79¢ for every dollar men earn, and women 55–64 earn only about 77¢.

Why this matters: Lower earnings directly reduce women’s ability to save, invest, and accumulate wealth over time.

📊 2. Retirement Savings & Preparedness

Retirement Participation & Savings Levels

• A significant share of women (~28%) did not contribute to retirement savings (e.g., 401(k)/IRA) in a recent year — higher than men’s ~18%.

• Fewer women than men have retirement accounts (64% vs. 70%).

Retirement Income Disparities

• Women typically retire with ~30% less retirement income than men, due largely to lower savings and longer lifespans.

• Many women feel less confident about retiring at their target age compared with men (53% vs. 66%).

• Around 38% of women report feeling “behind” on retirement savings, and 30% feel similarly about credit card debt.

• Confidence Summit Details:

• 📍 Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage
  📅 February 28, 2026

  www.societyofthefew.org