Investing Like a Woman Turning Strength into Strategy
Caty Naude CFP®
August is Women’s Month — a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, and wisdom of women in all areas of life, including finance.
In my work as a financial advisor, I’ve often seen instances: especially in long-term relationships or older generations where women tend to let their partners do the financial talking. But when they do speak up, they often bring a thoughtful, measured approach that leads to long-term success.
Since women tend to take fewer physical risks than men there might be a perception that women are more “risk-averse” when it comes to investing. In truth, rather than risk-averse, women are risk-aware — they consider the downside, ask the right questions, and invest with purpose. That’s not a weakness. It’s a superpower.
A study by Warwick Business School found that women’s investment portfolios outperformed men’s by 1.8% per year on average. * The reason? Women traded less frequently, were more patient, and focused on long-term growth.
This approach can benefit anyone — regardless of gender.
Here are a few things we can all learn from the way women tend to invest:
Think long-term: Avoid knee-jerk reactions to market changes and stay focused on your bigger goals.
Be risk-aware, not risk-avoidant: It’s okay to ask, “What could go wrong?” before jumping in.
Stay consistent: Slow, steady investing wins more races than chasing the next big thing.
Whether you're taking the lead on your financial decisions or supporting a partner who does, your voice matters.
If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, maybe now’s the time to step in — not just for yourself, but for the generations who’ll follow your lead.
As a Certified Financial Planner® at Ascor Independent Wealth Managers, I’m passionate about helping women take control of their financial futures. If you’re ready to explore your options or simply want to ask a few questions, I invite you to reach out to me or one of my colleagues.
This Women’s Month let’s celebrate your financial potential — and make smart investing part of your story.
Because investing like a woman isn’t a disadvantage — it’s a superpower.
*Source: Barber & Odean / Warwick Business School, 2017: “Do Women Invest Better Than Men?”
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