Why Women Need To Act Now!

Did you know?

Women retire with 38% less in their pension pots than men. That’s a huge gap, but here’s the good news: you’ve got the power to change it.

And in fact, last year, 52% of all our Pension and Retirement planning enquiries came from women. This was a significant uplift from previous years, so a very promising sign that a shift is taking place.

With International Women’s Day just behind us, we want to Accelerate Action.

In this week’s blog, we’ll talk you through simple, practical steps you can take now to secure a better future.

Why Women Face a Pension Gap and What You Can Do About It

It’s no secret that women face unique financial challenges due to:

• Career breaks for maternity leave and caregiving.
• Part-time work affecting contributions.
• Less investment confidence, leading to lower returns.

But here’s the thing. This gap isn’t set in stone. Small, smart changes today can make a big difference. Here’s a quick list of things you can do that will help:

What You Can Do

What You Can Do	How It Helps
Maximise Employer Contributions	Make sure you’re contributing enough to get the full match from your employer. It’s an easy way to grow your savings.
Keep Contributions Going During Breaks	If you take time off for maternity leave or caregiving, make sure your pension contributions keep going. Your employer may continue to contribute during these times.
Start Saving Early	Starting to save early means more time for your money to grow. Women tend to live longer, so it’s important to start early for a comfortable retirement later.
Invest Right for You	Understand your risk tolerance and make sure your investments align with your goals. A Financial Advisor can help ensure you’re on track.

Taking action now, no matter where you are in your financial journey, can make all the difference.

Motherhood & Money: What You Need to Know

When it comes to motherhood, finances can get a little tricky. And while maternity leave and career breaks are some of life’s most treasured experiences, it can take a toll. Many women don’t realise that parental leave doesn’t always count toward pension contributions. But there are ways around this.

How to stay on track during career breaks:

• Claim your National Insurance credits: They can help fill in pension gaps during caregiving periods.
• If possible, keep saving into your pension while on leave – even small contributions can help.
• Get expert advice – a Financial Adviser (like us at Joslin Rhodes) can help you create a Lifestyle Financial Plan that works for you and your family.

The key to it all? Awareness and action. The sooner you plan, the better prepared you’ll be.

The Gender Pension Gap: Let’s Help Close It Together

The gender pension gap isn’t just about numbers – it reflects the long-standing challenges women have faced in the workplace. Studies show that women are more likely to take career breaks, work part-time, and shy away from higher-risk investments compared to men. But as we mentioned earlier, the good news is that more women than ever are taking control.

Empowering Women to Take Action

For so many women, confidence around finances can feel like a barrier. It’s easy to feel uncertain, especially when it comes to pensions and investments. But it doesn’t have to be.

It’s important to remember that financial independence isn’t just about how much we earn; it’s about how well we plan for the future. Whether it’s reviewing your pension contributions or having a conversation with a Financial Planner, it all matters.

By simply talking about money openly and confidently, we can shift the conversation, close the gaps and bring you closer to the retirement you want and deserve.

What Are You Waiting For? Let’s Make It Happen!

Our local Teesside team is here to support, so why wait? So, what are you waiting for?

Join our next Pension & Retirement Planning Workshop where you’ll gain valuable insights.

Book a free meeting— no pressure, no obligation, just guidance.

You’ve got this. And we’re here to help.