By Brandy Risheill, CFP®, CDFA ®
In recent years, women have increasingly taken on the responsibility of managing family wealth and legacy. As of 2020, women in the United States controlled $11 trillion in financial assets, a figure expected to reach $30 trillion by 2030.1 This shift is supported by several trends, including higher incomes, with 40 percent of women now out-earning their husbands, a significant increase since 1960.1 Women also hold 52 percent of management and professional positions in the US and are the majority of graduates from higher education programs.12 Additionally, women often manage finances independently due to longer life expectancies and high divorce rates. 2
Women investors can benefit from tailored financial advice. They tend to prefer long-term investments that align with their personal and financial goals. As they build businesses, accumulate wealth and inherit assets, they seek strategies that support their objectives.
Estate planning is crucial for women managing family wealth. Tools like strategic trust actions, state income tax planning, flexible wills and philanthropic plans help achieve financial goals during life and as part of a legacy. Engaging younger generations in discussions about the family's philanthropic strategy also is important.
Women typically exhibit different investment behaviors compared to men. They prioritize health, wellness and financial longevity over market outperformance. Women tend to be disciplined investors, taking calculated risks and sticking to long-term plans, often resulting in better portfolio performance.1
Generational differences also play a role in how women define their legacy. Younger women are more likely to feel an obligation to transfer wealth to the next generation and to have a broader impact on society through investing.2 Planning is essential, as many women are unsure how much wealth they can pass on to the next generation.
Women are more likely to engage in charitable activities, including volunteering, making non-financial donations and purchasing from socially responsible businesses. Women also give a higher percentage of their assets compared to men and support more causes. However, some women are less aware of tax-smart giving options, highlighting the need for financial advisors to educate and assist them in maximizing their philanthropic impact.
Succession planning and smooth asset transfer are vital. Women often find it easier to discuss financial matters with loved ones and can benefit from professional facilitation in inheritance planning. Involving heirs in investment decisions also can be beneficial.
Research shows that many women do not have inheritance plans in place, which puts them at risk of having their wishes go unfulfilled and their heirs facing excessive inheritance tax. Women tend to receive larger inheritances due to longer life expectancies and the likelihood of inheriting wealth from partners, which makes careful succession planning even more important.2
An estimated $124 trillion in wealth will be transferred by 2045, with women expected to inherit about 70 percent of this total. 3 Women are increasingly investing in the stock market, with significant growth in participation across all age groups.
Financial advisors should help women set legacy goals, invest wisely and ensure smooth generational transfers. By investing strategically, donating to charities and educating their heirs, women can significantly impact society and future generations.
1 “Women as the next wave of growth in US Wealth Management,” McKinsey & Company (2020).
2 Women and Investing UBS (2023)
3 “Women will get the most of the $124 trillion ‘great wealth transfer,’ studies show. Here’s why” Personal Finance CNBC (2025)
Brandy Risheill is a Financial Advisor with UBS Financial Services, Inc. a subsidiary of UBS Group AG. Member FINRA/SIPC in Dayton, OH. The information contained in this article is not a solicitation to purchase or sell investments. Any information presented is general in nature and not intended to provide individually tailored investment advice. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be suitable for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Investing involves risks and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest. The views expressed herein are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views of UBS Financial Services Inc. Neither UBS Financial Services Inc. nor its employees (including its Financial Advisors) provide tax or legal advice. You should consult with your legal counsel and/or your accountant or tax professional regarding the legal or tax implications of a particular suggestion, strategy or investment, including any estate planning strategies, before you invest or implement.
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Review Code: IS2500516 Expiration: 4/30/2026