Investing in 2017: A different approach required for female investors

Do you feel in control when it comes to your investments?

If you’re like many Canadian women, you are running the household finances, but you may be taking a back seat when it comes to investments and retirement planning. A recent TD Women Investor Poll¹ found that fewer women than men are responsible for managing investments, dealing with financial professionals, and planning for retirement.

Women are also less likely to have financial advisors or their own direct investing accounts, and Canadian women are less likely to view managing their investments as a positive activity than women in other parts of the world. (While 29 per cent of Canadian women enjoy managing their investments, 41 per cent of women surveyed around the world stated the same in a recent 2014 study².)

So why are we reluctant to lead when it comes to our financial futures?

Ask a woman that question, and the list of answers is likely to be long. Chief among them are lack of time and lack of knowledge. Dig a little deeper and the reasons become clearer: For many women, becoming comfortable with their financial plan means a complete understanding of their investments and how the strategies help achieve their personal and financial goals. They want to know that they will be okay and that they will be able to take care of their families. That

means women are also more likely to look to their investment advisors for financial education, market information, and a partnership approach when it comes to their wealth management.

Men and women are on the same page when it comes to their definition of financial success, they define it as having enough money saved for a comfortable retirement. However, less than one-third of women say they feel very well-prepared when it comes to their retirement savings.

While it's essential to plan and save, it's also important to feel confident about your investments and the progress you're making toward your financial future. Mapping out your financial goals for retirement and your strategy for achieving them can help increase your confidence. Understanding how to invest in order to attain your goals is also important—educate yourself, talk to your family and work with professionals you trust.

About Meghan MacDonald, CIM®

Meghan is Investment Advisor with the MacDonald Wealth Group, who serves, retirees, business owners, professionals and their families throughout the Okanagan. She specializes in building relationships with, and meeting the unique wealth management needs of women investors.

¹12th annual TD Waterhouse Women Investor Poll, 2012

²Black Rock – Global Investor Pulse survey, 2014

The views expressed are those of Meghan MacDonald CIM®, Investment Advisor with the MacDonald Wealth Group as on April 18, 2017, and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. The information contained herein is for information purposes only. The information has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable. Where such statements are based in whole or in part on information provided by third parties, they are not guaranteed to be accurate or complete. The information does not provide financial, legal, tax or investment advice. Particular investment, trading or tax strategies should be evaluated relative to each individual’s objectives and risk tolerance. TD Wealth Private Investment Advice, The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its affiliates and related entities are not liable for any errors or omissions in the information or for any loss or damage suffered.