For many women in their late 40s to early 60s, life is shifting. Children are growing up or leaving home, careers are evolving, and there’s a deepening desire for more freedom—more time to travel, explore new interests, or simply breathe without a packed calendar. But flexibility doesn’t just happen. It takes thoughtful planning, especially when it comes to your finances.

I taught Susan about inflation, which silently erodes the purchasing power of money. We also discussed other risks including longevity risk—the possibility of outliving her savings. I explained how a diversified portfolio, including moderate-risk products like ETFs, could provide better long-term growth and protection against these risks.

Women are natural community builders. Yet, when it comes to finances, many women hesitate to discuss their goals, challenges, and strategies. That needs to change.

By creating strong financial support networks, women can help each other gain confidence, knowledge, and financial security.

Healthcare costs are a significant consideration for women planning for retirement, but they don’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding the financial and non-financial implications, leveraging available resources, and making proactive lifestyle and financial choices, women can pave the way for a more secure and peaceful retirement.

Retirement might seem far off, but for women, it's crucial to start planning early. We tend to live longer than men, so our assetsneed to stretch further. Plus, thanks to the wage gap and time taken off for caregiving, we might have less saved up than our male counterparts.