Cortburg Speaks Retirement

Women & Retirement: Modern Day Challenge

June 30, 2021 Miguel Gonzalez, MBA, AIF®, CPFA®, CRC® Season 2021 Episode 39
Cortburg Speaks Retirement
Women & Retirement: Modern Day Challenge
Show Notes Transcript

Women can experience more challenges saving for retirement than men, and unfortunately, COVID-19 has added even more challenges. 

In this week's audio podcast, Miguel Gonzalez shares several reasons why retirement is different for women than men, and tips women can implement to thrive in retirement.

Welcome to Cortburg Speaks Retirement Podcast
with Miguel Gonzalez, MBA, AIF®, CPFA®, CRC®

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INTRODUCTION

Welcome to Cortburg Speaks Retirement

An audio podcast about investing in the stock market, financial planning, money management and retirement planning.  Each Wednesday, we help investors at all stages of life learn how to potentially grow and preserve their money from first job through retirement.

Now here is your host, Miguel Gonzalez.

 

HOST

Good morning and welcome to the CORTBURG SPEAKS RETIREMENT audio podcast.   

On this episode, I will share the modern day challenges women face in retirement planning.

Women can experience more challenges saving for retirement than men, and unfortunately, COVID-19 has added even more challenges. According to Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies report Women and Retirement: Risks and Realities Amid COVID-19, women continue to be at risk of saving enough for retirement:

 

  • 52% experienced impacts to their employment situation as a result of COVID-19.
  • 24% of women have reduced work hours.
  • 13% have experienced a salary reduction.
  • 16% have been laid-off.
  • 13% have furloughed.

 

On-going challenges that women face aside from COVID-19 include leaving the workforce to care for children or other family members, lower pay, and finding full-time employment. According to the same study, only 24% of women are very confident they can retire comfortably, compared with 20% of men.  Here are several reasons why retirement is different for women than men. 

 

Women usually earn less than their male counterparts.

Even though more women work more today in professional jobs than in the past, a gender pay gap still exists. The U.S. Census Bureau discovered that women earn about 75% less than their male counterparts. This discrepancy makes it more difficult for them to save for retirement. 

 

Women spend less time in the workforce.

On average, women spend nine more years out of the workforce than men. Less time working reduces their overall lifetime earnings and retirement savings. Women often take time off from work so they can care for their children or other family members.

 

Women miss out on employer-sponsored retirement plans.

Since women are more likely to work part-time or contract positions to enjoy flexible schedules, they don’t always qualify to participate in employer-sponsored retirement plans or miss out on the company match.

 

Women have a longer life expectancy.

The life expectancy for women is generally greater than for men. Therefore, women require enough retirement savings to cover a longer time in retirement. Unless women plan and save appropriately, they risk premature depletion of their retirement assets and the possibility of living their retirement years in poverty. 

 

Despite these challenges, women can thrive in retirement by implementing these tips: 

 

1. Have a Backup Plan: Circumstances like divorce, death, or injury can prevent retiring as planned. For this reason, having an emergency savings account, life insurance, disability insurance, a set budget, and a plan to reduce your expenses can help.

 

 

2. Participate in Your Employer-sponsored Retirement Plan: If you work for an employer who offers a retirement plan, take advantage of it. Save enough to ensure you receive the employer’s matching contributions. 

 

3. Save as Much as Possible in other types of retirement savings vehicles: The more you save at an earlier age, the better prepared you’ll be for retirement. If you take some time off from full-time employment, continue part-time or perform contract work and continue to save for retirement.

 

4. Consult Your Financial Professional

If you’re a woman planning for your retirement, your financial professional can review your financial situation and develop a retirement strategy appropriate for you.

Make sure to visit our website, www.CortburgRetirement.com. Our site is filled with educational videos, eBooks, publications, and financial calculators designed to help you learn more about your finances.  As you search our site, send us a note regarding any questions you may have about any particular investment concepts or products. We will get back to you quickly with a thoughtful answer.

This is Miguel Gonzalez, Retirement Specialist and Managing Partner, with Cortburg Retirement Advisors signing off for this week’s educational podcast.  

 

DISCLOSURES  

Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Please consult your financial professional before making any investment decision. 

All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor.

CRC conferred by The International Foundation for Retirement Education.

Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Private Advisor Group, LLC, a registered investment advisor.  

Private Advisor Group, LLC and Cortburg Retirement Advisors, Inc. are separate entities from LPL Financial.

Investing involves risk including possible loss of principal.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, consult your financial professional prior to investing. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. 

This material contains only general descriptions and is not a solicitation to sell any insurance product or security, nor is it intended as any financial or tax advice. For information about specific insurance needs or situations, contact your insurance agent. This article is intended to assist in educating you about insurance generally and not to provide personal service. They may not take into account your personal characteristics such as budget, assets, risk tolerance, family situation or activities which may affect the type of insurance that would be right for you. In addition, state insurance laws and insurance underwriting rules may affect available coverage and its costs. Guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the issuing company. If you need more information or would like personal advice you should consult an insurance professional. You may also visit your state’s insurance department for more information.

All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy.