The Great Wealth Transfer Challenge
Financial experts are raising concerns about women’s preparedness for what analysts describe as the largest wealth transfer in history. According to reports from baby boomers and older generations, an estimated $124 trillion will change hands over the next 23 years through inheritance, with women reportedly positioned to receive approximately 70% of these assets.
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The Confidence Gap in Financial Planning
During Fortune’s Most Powerful Women conference in Washington, D.C., several finance experts highlighted what they term a “confidence gap” that could undermine women’s financial success. Karla Valas, head of private wealth management at Fidelity Investments, reportedly challenged attendees to reconsider their assumptions about financial freedom.
“That’s a myth,” Valas stated, according to conference reports. “True financial freedom comes not only from confidence in earning the money, but more importantly, it comes from having a clear and adaptable financial plan.”
Sources indicate this confidence gap is substantiated by research, including a March 2025 JPMorgan study showing approximately 60% of men take the lead on long-term financial plans compared to only 25% of women.
Psychological and Structural Barriers
Jean Chatzky, CEO of financial media company HerMoney Media, suggested that psychological barriers play a significant role in women’s financial planning confidence. “We all have a money story, and it’s not what we were taught as young women,” Chatzky explained. “It’s what we heard, it’s what we absorbed.”
Panelists reportedly identified several unique challenges facing women, including caregiving responsibilities, longer lifespans, higher healthcare costs, and pay inequity. These factors collectively impact women’s confidence in managing substantial wealth, according to the analysis.
Chatzky further noted that traditional gender expectations continue to influence financial behaviors, with women who earn more money still typically handling greater household responsibilities.
Proactive Planning and Intergenerational Solutions
Financial experts emphasized that early planning is crucial for navigating major life events successfully. Valas reportedly advised that “everyone’s at least just one life event away from needing a financial advisor or needing a financial planner,” highlighting the importance of preparation before crises occur.
Connie Collingsworth, former chief operating officer of the Gates Foundation, suggested that closing the confidence gap requires intentional intergenerational education. “[If] we show our daughters and we talk to them about these issues, I think they will have a sea change,” Collingsworth stated, according to conference reports.
Panelists recommended teaching financial literacy to younger generations while simultaneously implementing safeguards. Collingsworth reportedly advised limiting accessible funds to children and delaying trust fund availability until ages 35-40 to prevent misuse while encouraging work ethic.
Broader Financial Independence Context
The discussion around women and the Great Wealth Transfer occurs alongside other significant financial independence developments across various sectors. Recent analyses of global energy diversification and market volatility strategies demonstrate similar planning challenges in different contexts.
Meanwhile, reports of government impacts on financial markets and enterprise technology adoption highlight the complex landscape where financial planning occurs. As one of the world’s largest asset managers, Fidelity’s insights into these market trends carry significant weight among financial professionals.
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Financial experts conclude that intentional financial education and proactive planning will be crucial for women to successfully navigate the historic wealth transfer and achieve lasting financial security.
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