Matriarchs on the rise

With so many women in charge of the family wealth, they are frequently responsible for the family legacy. As of 2020, women in the US controlled $11 trillion, about a third of financial assets, and that number could reach $30 trillion by 2030.¹

There are several demographic tailwinds that will continue this trend. First, 40% of women make more money than their husbands. This number is substantial because it is up almost four-fold since 1960.¹ Second, women’s workforce participation continues to grow and they now hold 52% of management, professional and related positions in the US. Lastly, there is a strong pipeline of talent as women make up the majority of both graduates from undergraduate programs and advanced degrees.² In addition, there is a high likelihood that women will end up managing their finances by themselves at some point in time because of two sobering statistics:

• Women in heterosexual relationships outlive their husbands by five years.
• The divorce rate continues to be over 50% and is rising for couples over 50 years old. (Own your worth, 2018.)

As investors, women can benefit from financial advisors’ increased focus on the ways in which “standard” advice may or may not apply. As the keepers of the senior generations’ memories and desires, matriarchs can use the estate planning tools available to implement lifelong goals.

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