US. Pandemic Widens Retirement Planning Gender Gap

The pandemic has widened the gender gap for retirement planning, and women investors are less optimistic, more concerned and less prepared to protect assets than their male counterparts, according to a new survey.

“Women are concerned about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their finances and the resulting uncertainty can make planning for the future — and their retirement — more difficult,” Ann Bair, senior vice president of marketing for Nationwide Financial, said in a statement about the Nationwide survey. “For several consecutive years, our Advisor Authority study has revealed the disconnect between women’s growing concerns about their ability to retire and their level of preparation — and the pandemic has taken this to new levels,” Blair said. “While women are acutely aware of the challenges they face, it’s critical that they take steps now to address gaps in their retirement plan, especially as we start a new year.”

According to the Nationwide survey, 72% of women with investable assets of $100,000 or more said the pandemic has negatively impacted their ability to retire.

Read more @Gobankingrates