#markets

Research conducted by Royal London found that people without a financial adviser were more likely to be female, single, earning around £20-£30,000, and under the age of 35. As a 27-year-old single woman, I fall smack-bang into the middle of this category and was disappointed (but not surprised) when the statement presented itself to me. After some research and a lot of self-reflection, I now feel obligated to provide an insight into the intricacies of this finding from a personal standpoint.

‘I don’t earn enough to seek financial advice.’

Talking about money does not come easily for most of us. It is a personal matter and can feel uncomfortable to discuss. Despite this, it is very important that we do talk about the ‘m’ word. At times, my perception of my own finances has made me feel that I did not earn enough money to warrant financial advice. I did not have enough self-confidence to approach a professional from the financial industry. I think my pre-disposed view of a testosterone-fuelled, overly male-dominated Wall Street had led me to believe that investing was not particularly catered towards women.

I am now aware, however, that specialised advice from a professional adviser can help me set realistic financial goals – and reach them. Ironically, my previous perception of my financial status meant that I denied myself the opportunity to strategically grow my wealth in the first place. To back this up, Royal London and the International Longevity Centre UK (ILC) found that, in the space of just 10 years, customers who had sought financial advice were, on average, £47,000 better off than those who had taken care of things themselves.

‘I don’t have time to seek financial advice.’

A young woman living in the 1950’s and 60’s was typically expected to marry, have children, and assume the role of primary caregiver. Times have (thankfully) changed and for the most part, women can now progress into further education and a career of their choice – should they wish to do so.  The ‘modern woman’ is her own person, has her own money, and can have it all. The only downside of this is that many women are required to perform a constant juggling act between family, friends, and career – often prioritising the needs of others before their own. Perhaps women of this day and age are just so busy living a full life, that they do not have time to seek financial advice?

As it turns out, we have plenty of time. On average, women live 5 years longer than men. Therefore, it makes sense for us to prepare for long-term financial stability and the best way to do this is with professional, preferably long-term, financial advice. One of Royal London’s key findings was that those who fostered an ongoing relationship with their adviser were up to 50% better off than those who had only received advice once.

‘I don’t believe that financial advice would benefit me.’

Money makes the world go round and most of us will experience ‘money worries’ at some point in our lives. New statistics from Fidelity International show that 47% of young women have had their mental health affected by financial worries, but only 12% surveyed would ask for help from a financial adviser. When I feel stressed or over-whelmed, I typically tend to seek advice from friends, family or even a work colleague. To improve my general well-being, I might go shopping, force myself to attend a spin class at the gym or perhaps even visit my GP if necessary.

This year, more than any other, has made me realise the importance of looking after my mental health. I recently realised that when I feel positive about my financial situation, I feel positive about myself. Good quality financial advice can improve emotional as well as financial well-being and the practice of sound financial planning in our 20’s and 30’s builds a strong foundation for a secure future.

And the uncertain times that we now find ourselves in makes the prospect of a secure future all the more appealing.

The year of 2020 has been challenging to say the least. Due to the Covid-19 crisis, the UK went into its first national lockdown on the 23^rd March, and, by the end of April, my days had blurred into one self-isolated Groundhog Day. I had lost all sense of routine and was struggling to work productively from home. To add to this, my only form of contact with friends and family was via repetitive virtual quizzes. I was then furloughed and spent my days attempting DIY, and my nights battling anxiety caused by a looming threat of redundancy. It is now apparent that my concerns were not without rationale. New findings from the European Institute for Gender Equality and our Institute for Fiscal Studies indicate that women will be disproportionately affected by job losses as a result of the current economic conditions.

Bottom line; women have never been more in need of financial advice than they are now.

Women of the past fought for our right to vote. Today, we are still striving for equality in relation to the gender pay gap, and it now appears that we are stuck in a pensions gender gap too. Research undertaken by NOW: Pensions and the Pensions Policy Institute has revealed that women in their 60’s have an average of £100,000 less in their pension than men do. 

For me, when it comes to a lack of women receiving financial advice; the worst part of it is that this time, we have nobody to blame but ourselves. I, therefore, implore all women to seek financial advice. You may just unlock your financial potential…

Chloe Speed

24/09/2020