High Costs of Financial Advice Hinder Women's Investment Confidence

0

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

US Stock Decline Intensifies Amid Tariff Fears 12 Mar 2025: Paige Estritori US stock markets faced a significant downturn on Tuesday, deepening a selloff not seen in months, fueled by investors' concerns over the latest round of tariff threats and their potential repercussions on the global economy. The S&P 500 reached a critical low, nearing a 10 per cent drop from its record high, reflecting growing market volatility amidst mixed updates on international trade tensions and geopolitical events. - read more

RBA Rate Cut Sparks Surge in Australian Consumer Confidence 12 Mar 2025: Paige Estritori The Reserve Bank of Australia’s recent decision to reduce the official interest rate by 25 basis points to 4.1 per cent in February has invigorated consumer confidence, reaching a three-year high. The upswing in sentiment began in late 2024 but waned slightly over the holiday season. However, March data from the Westpac-Melbourne Institute consumer sentiment index indicates a recovery, driven by the RBA's interest rate cut and easing cost pressures. - read more

Star Entertainment Secures $940M Refinancing Amid Financial Struggles 11 Mar 2025: Paige Estritori Star Entertainment Group has announced a crucial refinancing plan to address its significant debt obligations. The casino operator has forged an exclusivity and process deed with Salter Brothers Capital, signalling a potential $940 million refinancing initiative. This move, if successful, would allow Star to manage its existing debt portfolio effectively and ease the liquidity pressures it currently faces. - read more

FAAA Calls for ASIC Investigation Overhaul: A Demand for Transparency and Accountability 11 Mar 2025: Paige Estritori In a recent submission to the Treasury, the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) has pressed for the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) to adopt a more comprehensive approach when investigating financial service complaints. The FAAA has underscored the need for ASIC to expand its investigation purview beyond individual client files to scrutinize the entire financial services value chain, particularly in instances of significant consumer harm. - read more

High Costs of Financial Advice Hinder Women's Investment Confidence 10 Mar 2025: Paige Estritori Recent research from Fidelity International reveals a significant gender disparity in financial advice uptake and investment confidence. Conducted among over 1,000 Australian consumers aged 18 to 59, the study, titled 'The Next Generation,' highlights that only 16 per cent of women seek financial advisers, compared to 22 per cent of men. A staggering 50 per cent of women cited financial advice costs as a major deterrent. - read more

Tesla's Longest Decline Amid Musk's Washington Role 10 Mar 2025: Paige Estritori In an unprecedented turn of events, Tesla's shares have been on a consistent downward trend for seven weeks running—marking the longest losing streak in the company's history since it went public 15 years ago. This slump coincides with Elon Musk's active role in the Trump administration since his move to Washington. On Friday, Tesla's stocks closed at $US270.48 ($428), plummeting over 10% within the week, reaching their lowest since the previous November's election day when shares were at $US251.44. - read more

RBA Deputy Justifies Controversial Rate Cut Amid Inflation Concerns 06 Mar 2025: Paige Estritori The Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) deputy governor has firmly defended the recent decision to reduce the official cash rate despite internal warnings about persistent inflation pressures. In February, the RBA lowered the cash rate from 4.35% to 4.10%, a move followed by claims that this contradicted forecasts predicting sustained inflation above the target. - read more

RBA Rate Cut Sparks Rebound in Aussie Housing Market 05 Mar 2025: Paige Estritori The Australian housing market is experiencing a resurgence following a recent 0.25% interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). This monetary policy change has fueled optimism for further reductions throughout the year, offering a significant boost to the market. - read more

Anthony Albanese Clarifies Stance on Negative Gearing as Prime Minister 04 Mar 2025: Paige Estritori Anthony Albanese, Australia's Prime Minister, has indicated that he has not utilized negative gearing since assuming office, dispelling ongoing speculation. Negative gearing, which allows property investors to offset losses against taxable income, remains a hot topic in Australia's property investment discourse. Despite the legality of this practice, the Prime Minister's prior silence on the matter had invited scrutiny, particularly regarding his $4 million holiday home. - read more

Productivity, Not Interest Rates, Behind Cost of Living Challenges 04 Mar 2025: Paige Estritori In a recent interview, former Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) governor Philip Lowe addressed the blame often placed on high interest rates for Australia's cost of living issues. Contradicting common perceptions, Dr. Lowe pointed to a lack of productivity growth as the actual source of the problem. Despite decade-high interest rates, he emphasized that these rates have only marginally suppressed demand, while the drag from stagnant productivity over the years has had a much greater impact. - read more