Security over returns: how women invest

Financial security is a major concern for many women in Switzerland. Money mainly represents stability, independence and the reassuring feeling of remaining in control, even in uncertain times.

This is clearly evident in the recent study “Women’s Perspectives 2026”: 94% of women say that money gives them a sense of security, and 93% emphasize how important financial independence is to them – especially in an environment marked by a high cost of living, rising health insurance premiums and unpredictable expenses.

Expenditure as the biggest drain on the budget – average values

women residents of Switzerland aged 16 and over

This cautious approach does not mean that women are fundamentally opposed to investing. This is also related to the fact that women often handle day-to-day financial management – such as paying bills or filing tax returns – while strategic investment decisions are often made jointly or delegated. When tasks are assigned to others, it is usually done out of trust or because of their perceived competence.

The study also shows that there is often a gap between the desire for financial security and actual investment behavior. 25% of women invest regularly, while 28% do so occasionally. 38% have never invested before and have no current plans to do so. 41% cite a lack of money to invest as the main obstacle; other reasons include risks, insufficient knowledge or the impression that investing is complicated.

And yet more than eight out of ten women believe they are good or very good at managing their money. However, this high self-attribution stands in contrast to the observed reluctance to invest. Low levels of engagement with issues such as pension planning or investment are therefore not so much a reflection of a lack of confidence in women’s own abilities, but are more closely linked to their desire for security, the available resources and the demands of daily life.

The study findings show that many women already possess a high level of practical financial literacy in their daily lives – for instance when it comes to managing their day-to-day expenses. When women apply their existing financial skills to pension planning and investment topics, they strengthen their long-term financial independence.

The path to greater financial security often begins with small but effective steps: regular investing, a well-diversified portfolio and clearly defined goals. The focus could be on building up a financial cushion for unexpected expenses or supplementing retirement assets in a targeted manner, for instance. Security remains the most important point, while returns are not an end in themselves but rather a means of strengthening financial stability and long-term independence.

Many women in Switzerland associate investing primarily with large sums of money and high risks. However, the study shows that for most women, security and stability are paramount – and that’s exactly what investing can offer. Saving, planning for the future and building up reserves are important ways to ensure financial security and are part of forward-looking financial planning.

In addition, many women would be interested in receiving personalized advice to dispel any doubts they may have and to help them gain greater clarity. People who feel well-informed and supported can make financial decisions with greater confidence and peace of mind. 

Many of the study findings suggest that it would be a good idea to adapt and broaden the definition of “security” in financial matters for women. The main concerns for women are being able to manage their daily lives, meet their obligations and cope with unexpected events. Security therefore also means predictability, independence and the feeling of not being on their own when making financial decisions.

The study shows that women do not fundamentally reject investing, but simply tend to view it in a different context: they weigh up risks more in relation to their everyday lives and often base their financial decisions on specific goals. Consequently, many women are looking for resources that address their specific circumstances. They want someone to explain clearly how investments work and outline the role they can play in ensuring long-term financial stability.

Building wealth gradually can help women to strengthen financial security in the long term, and is preferable to simply seeking short-term solutions such as saving. It is precisely when investments are transparent, easy to understand and structured in clear stages that the abstract concept of “returns” becomes a tangible opportunity to create a more stable future. It is clear that the real issue is less about choosing between security and returns, and more about finding ways in which investing can positively influence women’s sense of security – in line with their own priorities and life plans.