High Costs of Financial Advice Hinder Women's Investment Confidence

1

The findings underscore another concern: women remain more wary of investment fees, with 61 per cent expressing concern compared to 55 per cent of men. According to Lauren Jackson from Fidelity International, these financial apprehensions are compounded by broader economic pressures, as a significant number of women are already reducing non-essential expenditures to cope with the rising cost of living.

The research indicates that even though women are less proactive in seeking advice, they recognize the importance of financial management. However, despite this awareness, women exhibit lower confidence in achieving long-term financial goals and managing day-to-day finances compared to their male counterparts. Only 13 per cent of women feel confident about meeting financial objectives, versus 22 per cent of men.

Diving deeper, the study notes a confidence gap in evaluating investment opportunities. Just 48 per cent of women feel assured in assessing investments, while 72 per cent of men display such confidence. Additionally, the disparity extends to investment actions, as 24 per cent of women have never invested compared to 10 per cent of men. Women are also less inclined to invest in shares, bonds, or pursue diversification.

Significantly, women prioritize seeking trustworthy financial advice, with 43 per cent expressing concerns over finding reliable consultants. Moreover, they desire advisors who can communicate at an understandable level, with 25 per cent highlighting this need in comparison to 19 per cent of men.

Interestingly, women diverge in their sources of financial guidance. They are more likely to turn to financial news sites (34 per cent) and personal acquaintances (33 per cent) for advice, rather than social media "finfluencers." In contrast, men show a higher inclination towards investment apps.

Promisingly, younger generations, particularly Gen Z, exhibit a growing interest in financial guidance. Half find the prospect of financial advice appealing, suggesting a potential cultural shift that could encourage more women to seek advice, thus bolstering their investment confidence.

Published:Monday, 10th Mar 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

Sydney Boat Show 2025 Achieves Remarkable Success

15 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

The 2025 Sydney Boat Show, held from August 14 to 17 at the Sydney Showground in Sydney Olympic Park, concluded with impressive results, attracting 23,525 attendees. This year marked a significant evolution for the show, which moved to Sydney Olympic Park to enhance its 56-year legacy as a premier event in the Australian boating industry. - read more

Australian Boating Industry Maintains $10.2 Billion Turnover

15 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

The Boating Industry Association (BIA) has released its State of the Industry Data Report, revealing a national turnover of $10.2 billion for the 2024-25 financial year, maintaining the record set in the previous year. This stability underscores the resilience and sustained growth of Australia's boating sector. - read more

New Campaign Promotes Responsible Boat Ownership in Australia

15 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

The Boating Industry Association (BIA) has announced its support for a Trans-Tasman initiative aimed at promoting responsible boat ownership. This campaign, launched by the Australia New Zealand Safe Boating Education Group (ANZSBEG), seeks to educate the public on safe and responsible boating practices, coinciding with Safe Boating Week 2025, running from October 6 to 12. - read more

Australia Partners with Japan's Mitsubishi for New Naval Frigates

07 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

In a significant move to bolster its naval capabilities, Australia has awarded a AU$10 billion (US$6.5 billion) contract to Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for the construction of 11 new Mogami-class frigates. This decision marks the largest defense industry agreement between Japan and Australia to date and represents one of Japan's most substantial defense exports. - read more

Unprecedented Algal Bloom in South Australia Threatens Marine Ecosystem

07 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

Since March 2025, South Australia's coastline has been grappling with a harmful algal bloom (HAB) that has severely impacted marine life, the fishing industry, and tourism. The bloom, attributed to the proliferation of the microalgae Karenia mikimotoi, has led to the deaths of thousands of marine creatures and has caused health issues among beachgoers, including respiratory problems and eye irritation. - read more

Revitalizing Australia's Maritime Industry Through a National Strategic Fleet

07 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

Australia's maritime industry is at a crossroads, with only nine Australian-crewed ships currently operating. In response to this decline, industry leaders and policymakers are advocating for the establishment of a National Strategic Fleet to bolster the nation's shipping capabilities and secure vital supply chains. - read more

Click for more Finance News