If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that uncertainty has a habit of sticking around. Between headlines about markets, inflation, interest rates and budgets, it’s no wonder many women respond by pressing the pause, keeping money where it feels safest and putting off decisions for another day.
But what if doing nothing isn’t the safe option we think it is?
I was recently asked, during a Times Radio discussion, why so many women hold back from investing. It’s a question I hear often in my work, and one that matters, because caution, while completely understandable, can quietly work against us over time.
Women and investing: risk-aware, not risk-averse
One of the most persistent myths I still hear about women and money is that women are naturally more cautious or less comfortable with risk. I don’t see that reflected in reality.
Women are risk aware, not risk averse.
When women think about financial risk, they tend to consider the wider context:
- career breaks
- caring responsibilities
- future flexibility
- and the consequences of getting things wrong.
That isn’t fear, it’s realism.
The difficulty is that the financial world often treats risk as something dramatic and binary, rather than something that can be managed thoughtfully over time.
The financial risks we talk about less
What’s discussed far less openly is the risk of inaction.
Cash feels safe because the number on your statement doesn’t fall. But inflation quietly reduces what that money can buy. If your money buys less year after year, then in real terms it is losing value.
Just because the number doesn’t reduce doesn’t mean it hasn’t gone down in buying terms.
For women who already experience pay gaps, pension gaps, and time out of the workforce, this slow erosion can have a real impact on future choices.
How inequality creeps in, even in ‘happy’ households
One of the things I see most often in practice is how inequality shows up quietly, usually without intention.
Tax rules frequently favour the higher earner. Investments are commonly held in one name. Career breaks, still more often taken by women, reduce pension growth over decades.
Rarely does anyone stop and ask the lower earner whether they’re happy to be disenfranchised in future investment decisions, until much later on.
This isn’t about blame. It’s about recognising patterns early and making space for more balanced conversations, before those decisions become difficult to unwind.
Investing doesn’t need excitement to work
When investing is framed as fast-paced or technical, it’s understandable that many women opt out. It doesn’t need to be that way.
Long-term investing isn’t about predicting markets or finding the next big winner. It’s about diversification, patience, and structure.
It’s really hard to lose money in a well-diversified global portfolio over five to ten years.
That doesn’t mean values won’t fluctuate, they will, but it does mean that time matters more than timing.
And many women are already investors without realising it. If you have a pension, your money is already invested. The real question is whether you understand where it’s invested, and whether it still fits your life.
Ethical investing: values and clarity
For many women, how money is invested matters just as much as returns. That’s something I see reflected again and again in conversations with clients.
Ethical and sustainable investing comes up frequently, often alongside frustration about vague labels and greenwashing.
The aim isn’t perfection, it’s curiosity. Understanding what different terms mean, asking better questions, and not being afraid to look beyond the headline description of a fund.
A few quick questions I’m often asked
“Isn’t investing basically gambling?”
Not in the way most people imagine. Long-term, diversified investing is very different from speculation. It’s about spreading risk sensibly and letting time do the work.
“Is cash really that risky?”
Cash has a role, especially for short-term needs. But over longer periods, inflation can quietly reduce its value, limiting future choices.
“What if I might need the money?”
Timeframe matters. Money you’ll need in the next few years should be accessible. Money you won’t need for ten years or more can usually afford to work harder.
“I don’t know enough, does that matter?”
Most women underestimate how much they already know. And if you have a pension, you’re already investing. Clarity and support matter far more than confidence.
“Can my investments reflect my values?”
Yes. Many women actively choose investments that align with environmental and social priorities, as long as they understand what sits behind the labels.
Doing nothing can feel like a neutral choice. Often, it isn’t. In my experience, gentle engagement, asking questions, understanding timeframes, and getting the right support, can make a meaningful difference over time.
You can listen to the full conversation on Times Radio here from 35:50 mins.
If you’re curious about whether your money is working in a way that supports your life, a discovery call can be a helpful first step. There’s no obligation, just an opportunity to ask questions and be heard.