Why smart women still struggle with money - and what to do about it

WE KNOW how to save, stretch a budget, cover school fees, and find the best deals. But ask us about investing or long-term financial planning, and many smart, capable women still feel like we're getting it wrong.

- KIM POTGIETER

A survey shared by financial journalist Maya Fisher-French in partnership with Satrix revealed something striking: while women are highly competent money managers, only 15% rate themselves as very knowledgeable about investing, compared to 42% of men. That's not a knowledge gap; it’s a confidence gap.

And it’s costing us.

The cost of playing it safe

The 10X Retirement Reality Report (2023) found that nearly half of South African women (49%) don't have a retirement plan, compared to 43% of men. More women see themselves as “savers, while fewer identify as “investors.” It's a cautious, risk-aware approach to money that often limits long-term growth.

Cash savings rarely keep pace with inflation.

True financial freedom requires a long-term investment strategy that benefits from diversified returns across different asset classes.

Interestingly, a 2021 study by global asset manager Fidelity found that women outperformed men by 40 basis points on their investment returns - not because they took more risk, but because they were more consistent and long-term focused.

While I meet more and more women taking control of their money - empowering themselves with knowledge, confidence, and clear plans for the future - many others still feel stuck. But the shift is real. It’s a reminder that we're more capable than we believe, and that change is already happening.

We don't need to be overnight experts. But we do need to start seeing ourselves as capable - and worthy - of building wealth.

Why so many women still feel stuck