As we celebrate Women’s History Month, Fidelity Investments has unveiled new data shedding light on the financial well-being of women today.
Optimism for the Future
Fidelity’s 2025 Financial Resolutions Study reveals a sense of optimism among women as they welcome the new year. A significant 61% believe they will be in a better financial position in 2025 compared to 2024. Additionally, 68% have crafted a financial plan to achieve their goals, while 80% aim to enhance their emergency savings. The primary financial resolutions for women in 2025 include saving more money (46%), reducing debt (41%), and minimizing spending (33%).
Emerging Trends in Women’s Financial Wellness
Redefining Retirement
Half of the women who retired in 2024 chose a gradual transition into retirement, opting for part-time work, fewer responsibilities, or more flexible job arrangements. This marks a significant change from two decades ago when only 19% took a phased approach. Younger generations are particularly focused on their retirement savings, with 48% of Gen Z and 45% of Millennials planning to increase their annual contributions in 2025.
Among retiree women, nearly half are actively working, have worked, or are considering employment during retirement. Women are notably more inclined than men to transition to retirement by scaling back their work hours.
Navigating Health Care Expenses
Women expressing concern about their finances compared to five years ago often cite unexpected health care costs as a leading factor. Consequently, a quarter of women acknowledge rising health care expenses as a major financial worry entering 2025.
For those enrolled in high deductible health plans, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) offer a potential solution to manage health-related costs in retirement. Although the number of women contributing to HSAs is on the rise, they still invest those funds at lower rates than men. The predominant motivation among women investing HSA funds is to build a medical reserve for retirement.
Balancing Caregiving Responsibilities
Women providing caregiving support are experiencing heightened financial strain, with 41% describing their financial interactions as “stressful.” Key concerns for these women heading into 2025 include unexpected expenses (41%), the effects of inflation on daily living and savings (40%), and broader economic uncertainties (32%).
Caregiving roles also influence women’s decisions to retire, with research indicating that women retirees are three times more likely than men to exit the workforce to care for family members. Despite these challenges, 81% of women in caregiving roles are determined to enhance their emergency savings, reflecting the broader financial resolution to save more in 2025.
Creating Opportunities in the Workplace
Women are more likely than men to feel their employee benefits fall short of their needs, citing reasons such as cost, insufficient coverage, and complexities in benefit management. While fair compensation tops the list of priorities for women caregivers seeking new employment, additional factors like work-life balance (30%) and remote working arrangements (27%) also rank highly, highlighting the demand for increased employer flexibility.
Empowering Resources for Women
In honor of Women’s History Month, Fidelity is hosting a free, month-long event series featuring accomplished female leaders. The aim is to empower women in enhancing their financial journeys. Topics will cover navigating unforeseen circumstances, understanding women’s health needs and associated expenses, and setting and achieving life and career objectives.
Fidelity’s Women Talk Money community offers a dedicated space for women to engage in discussions related to finance, investing, career advancement, and more. Through live events and on-demand content, it serves as a valuable resource to assist members in making informed financial decisions. Membership is free for all.
*All data points referenced are from Fidelity’s 2025 Financial Resolutions Study.
*Please note that investing carries inherent risks. The value of your investments may fluctuate, and gains or losses may occur.
Fidelity Investments and Fidelity are registered service marks of FMR LLC.
The opinions expressed herein are those of the speaker or author and may change based on market conditions. Fidelity does not take responsibility for informing you of any changes.
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