When we talk about the gender wealth gap, most conversations start with pay. And while income inequality is a foundational issue, the real compounding factor is how that income is (or isn’t) invested over time.
Women don’t invest worse than men—just differently. Often, those differences reflect strengths. But the combination of delayed entry into investing, lower lifetime earnings, and systemic obstacles can result in significantly lower lifetime wealth accumulation for women. Closing that gap requires more than better advice. It requires strategic action across every stage of life.
Structural Gaps Set the Stage
It’s true that women face structural barriers from the beginning: lower pay, career interruptions for caregiving, and fewer opportunities for wealth-building benefits like equity ownership or employer retirement matches. But perhaps the most overlooked factor is when and how women begin investing.
Most women start investing around age 31, and many say they put off saving and building wealth because they simply didn’t have enough extra money to set aside.¹ Those lost years can’t be recovered easily, especially when we consider the power of compounding over time.
The Strengths in Women’s Investment Behavior
Once women do begin investing, they tend to bring powerful behavioral strengths to the table. Many prioritize long-term goals over short-term gains and describe their approach with words like patience, discipline, and consistency.¹ These qualities aren’t just admirable—they’re effective. On average, women investors earn between 0.4% and 1.8% higher annual returns than men.² That edge comes not from risky bets or chasing trends, but from a steady, thoughtful approach to building wealth. While these strengths make a significant difference, without early access and consistent opportunities, closing the wealth gap remains a challenge.
A Life-Stage Approach to Closing the Gap
To truly work toward financial equality, we need to recognize that wealth-building isn’t a one-time decision—it’s a lifelong process. That means creating support structures and education tailored to each stage of a woman’s life.
In Your 20s & 30s: Build the Foundation
This is the most crucial time to start investing, even in small amounts. Early financial education, access to low-fee diversified investment options, and encouragement to prioritize long-term goals over perfection are essential. Schwab’s data shows that many women want to invest earlier; 85% wish they had started sooner.¹
In Your 40s & 50s: Maximize Momentum
This is often a peak income window, but also a time of juggling caregiving for both children and aging parents. Here, women need flexible strategies, including liquidity planning, portfolio resilience, and catching up on retirement contributions. Mid-career is also the time when equity compensation, career advancement, and strategic financial advice can shift the trajectory.
In Your 60s & Beyond: Protect and Empower
Women tend to live longer than men, which means longevity planning is especially critical. Ensuring sustainable income, healthcare planning, and estate and legacy strategies becomes essential. Financial freedom in later life isn’t just about comfort. It’s about choice, independence, and living with dignity.
Today, 91% of women say that managing their investments gives them a sense of empowerment.¹ The opportunity is here. Confidence is rising. What we need now is to bridge the gap between intention and impact with advice, systems, and strategies that work with the way women live and lead.
Let’s stop asking women to invest like men. Let’s empower them to invest like themselves: early, often, and with purpose.
1. Charles Schwab. (2025b). Women Investors Survey 2025 (By Logica Research). https://content.schwab.com/web/retail/public/about-schwab/charles-schwab-women-investors-survey-2025_findings.pdf
2. Daly, L. (2025, March 13). Women and investing statistics: What you should know. The Motley Fool. https://www.fool.com/research/women-in-investing-statistics/
The opinions and analyses expressed in this newsletter are based on Curi Capital, LLC’s (“Curi Capital”) research and professional experience are expressed as of the date of our mailing of this newsletter. Certain information expressed represents an assessment at a specific point in time and is not intended to be a forecast or guarantee of future results, nor is it intended to speak to any future time periods. Curi makes no warranty or representation, express or implied, nor does Curi accept any liability, with respect to the information and data set forth herein, and Curi specifically disclaims any duty to update any of the information and data contained in this newsletter. The information and data in this newsletter does not constitute legal, tax, accounting, investment or other professional advice. Returns are presented net of fees. An investment cannot be made directly in an index. The index data assumes reinvestment of all income and does not bear fees, taxes, or transaction costs. The investment strategy and types of securities held by the comparison index may be substantially different from the investment strategy and types of securities held by your account.
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