A recent McKinsey report, The New Face of Wealth: The Rise of the Female Investor, shows how quickly women’s financial power is growing. Between 2018 and 2023, women’s wealth increased by 51%, outpacing the gain in global investable assets. By 2030, women in the U.S. are expected to control 40–45% of retail financial assets (McKinsey, 2025).
For those of us who have spent decades encouraging women to take an active role in their finances, these numbers are both affirming and energizing. They confirm what we’ve been seeing in our own practice: women are earning more, inheriting more, and increasingly taking an active role in managing their wealth.
More Wealth, More Responsibility
One striking finding in the research: about half of the assets controlled by women today are not actively managed. That’s a $10 trillion opportunity by 2030. But this gap isn’t just about money; it’s about access, confidence and trust.
Some of this shift comes from demographic realities. Many women come into wealth after significant life changes — whether through an inheritance from their parents or after the death of a spouse. Others are building wealth through their own careers. But having assets and feeling confident managing them are not the same thing. That’s where guidance matters.
At Birchwood, we’ve long made it a priority to ensure women’s voices are heard in financial decision-making. Our philosophy has always been that everyone at the table should have a voice — and that trust grows only when clients feel understood.
How Women Invest Differently
McKinsey describes women as more “risk-aware,” less emotionally driven in investing, and more focused on long-term, values-aligned goals. My own experience largely reflects that — though I’d reframe some of the language.
“Risk-aware” women lean more conservative — not out of fear, but from a desire to understand the implications before moving forward. Education is key. Once a client understands how risk works in the context of their portfolio, they become more comfortable making choices that balance growth potential with peace of mind.
As for being “less emotionally driven,” I see women as disciplined investors. They tend to stick to their long-term plans rather than chasing quick wins. This approach leads to steady growth over time. When women understand the “why” behind their investments, they stay the course and build lasting wealth.
The Power of Relationships
The report found that women value in-person advice and a personal fit with their advisor. I think this is true for all clients, but women consistently say they value trust and a personal connection with their advisor. Whether it’s through face-to-face meetings or thoughtful conversations, sitting together to share your goals, your fears and your vision for the future is essential to building trust. When clients feel heard and understood, better decisions follow.
Different Life Stages, Different Needs
From widows navigating sudden change to young professionals building their first portfolios, every woman’s financial journey is unique. In our practice, we see distinct groups and each brings different experiences and needs.
- Widows, often from the baby boomer generation, may need more guidance if they weren’t deeply involved with family finances.
- Divorcees and younger women who are suddenly single may be financially savvy but they are often unprepared for the emotional impact of a major life change and need clear, steady support.
- Young professionals and single women may be financially savvy but often need help making long-term plans.
No matter the situation, our role is the same: to listen, guide, build confidence, provide clear options and tailor advice to meet the client’s needs.
Aligning Money With Values
Many women want their money to make an impact and reflect their values — whether that means supporting sustainability, equity or community causes. At Birchwood, sustainable and socially responsible investing has always been part of our DNA. We help clients align investments with their values while still protecting their financial future. My role is to help ensure they care for their own needs first — think “put your own oxygen mask on before helping others,” so they can be charitable over the long term.
Representation Matters
Despite the boom in female-controlled wealth, only 24% of CFP® professionals today are women. This is a missed opportunity. Financial planning is as much about communication and relationships as it is about numbers. Firms like ours with a majority of women advisors are still a rarity. Bringing more women into the profession will bring diverse perspectives that benefit all clients.
Learn more about our team: https://www.birchwoodfp.com/our-team
A Few Words of Advice
If you’re just starting out and want to begin building wealth, don’t wait until you feel like you know everything. My best advice is simple: start now. Even small amounts, invested consistently, can grow significantly over time. Start early, invest consistently, learn as you go and find an advisor you trust. Time and the power of compounding are on your side.
Final Thought
The rise of the female investor is more than a trend — it’s a transformation. Women are shaping the future of wealth. The financial industry must keep evolving to provide the tools and support they need, making sure their voices are heard and their values shape the conversation. At Birchwood, we’ve built that commitment into everything we do — and we look forward to a future where the financial power of women is matched by their confidence in using it.
