In a world where bad news seems to overwhelm us, I have some good news to report! The Charles Schwab Women Investors Survey 2025 revealed that 90% of the surveyed women felt they were on track to achieve their financial goals. Considering the many hurdles women face professionally (pay inequality, career pauses for caregiving) and financially (limited financial role models, student debt), this is remarkable progress!
But let’s dig into the numbers a little more.
Of the 90% who believe they are on the right track, only 40% said they strongly agree that they are on track, while the other 50% somewhat agree. Although we can celebrate the 90%, we can’t be satisfied until we reach 100% agree AND increase the strongly agree responses.
So… how do we get there?
1. Leverage Women’s Investing Strengths
First, we can leverage what the study identified as women’s investing strengths — patience and discipline. No surprise there. Women must exercise patience and discipline in just about every aspect of their lives, from caregiving to overcoming biases. Women can utilize these qualities to their advantage by sticking to a financial plan and an investment strategy while avoiding impulsive decisions.
2. Strengthen Financial Knowledge and Access to Resources
Second, we can improve in areas where we are not as strong. The study found that women’s primary challenge as investors was a lack of financial knowledge, followed closely by limited funds. Let’s focus on the lack of financial knowledge. I was surprised to learn that the study found 76% of women considered it important to seek information or advice anonymously.
We need to meet women where they are with information that resonates with them. We need to improve our communication about financial education resources tailored to them and guide them on how to find that information. Our Women & Wealth page is one place where women can comfortably find and understand the information they need.
3. Partner With the Right Financial Advisor
Third, a financial advisor can be a valuable resource for women who would like to partner with a professional to leverage their strengths and address any weaknesses. An advisor can develop a plan and help you stick to it, while also serving as a resource for financial and investment questions.
The key is to find an advisor who is right for YOU. We recommend a fee-only fiduciary financial advisor who has specific expertise and meets you where you are in your investment journey. Fee-only advisors avoid commissions, which can help reduce certain conflicts of interest and align their compensation with the advice they provide. Advisors who adhere to a fiduciary standard must always place your interests ahead of their own. An advisor with the Certified Financial Planning (CFP®) designation has completed specialized training in financial planning and is held to the CFP® Board’s high standards.
Equally important is having an advisor you feel comfortable approaching when you have questions or need something explained a second or third time.
It won’t happen overnight, but I look forward to the day when nearly 100% of women, when asked, “Are you on the right track to achieve your financial goals?” can emphatically answer “strongly agree!”
