Women Investors Fear Financial Disruption, but Many Don’t Have a Plan to Navigate it
For many women investors, retirement planning feels less certain than it once did. A recent survey from the Nationwide Retirement Institute found that while women are thinking seriously about retirement, market volatility and recession fears are making that path feel increasingly unclear.
This unease is widespread. A majority of women investors (77%) say they are concerned about a U.S. economic recession, and that anxiety appears to be shaping how many are viewing their own future. While about four in 10 say they are on track to retire about the same time as planned, 14% say they do not know whether they will ever be able to retire, according to Nationwide’s survey.
Perhaps even more alarming, despite their concerns about volatility impacting their ability to retire, many women investors do not have a formal plan to protect themselves against market turbulence. One-third (33%) said they do not have a strategy in place to protect their assets against market risk, while another 14% said they are not aware if they have a market risk strategy at all.
“The need for financial advice is clear,” said Suzanne Ricklin, senior vice president of Nationwide Retirement Solutions Distribution. “Women investors are navigating uncertain markets against a unique backdrop of challenges specific to them and many are doing it without a clear plan in place.”
The good news? Women are open to working with an advisor, with 34% saying they prefer to work with an advisor to help guide their financial planning. But the advisor relationship is not always working as it should. Nearly three in 10 (29%) women investors with an advisor say they have experienced ‘mansplaining’ – explanations delivered in a way that feels condescending rather than helpful.
“I believe advisors have good intentions when they are trying to break down financial topics with their female clients, but it’s important for women to speak up if they feel those explanations are not providing the information and approach they need,” said Ricklin. “Our survey makes it clear that women don’t want to be talked at, they want to engage in a discussion. Seek out an advisor who creates a non-judgmental space for you to ask questions and address your concerns.”
Ricklin shared five things women should look for in a financial professional:
Listens first, advises second: Seek out an advisor who asks thoughtful questions about your life, priorities and values before offering recommendations. You should feel heard and understood.
Communicates clearly: A good advisor should explain strategies in easy to understand language, use examples when helpful and welcomes questions.
Takes a holistic view: Women’s financial lives may include caregiving responsibilities, career breaks and longer lifespans, so planning should extend beyond investments alone.
Respects your comfort with risk: Your comfort level matters as much as your potential returns. Your advisor should help build a strategy that reflects both your goals and your ability to stay confident during market swings.
Treats planning as a collaboration: The best advisor relationships are partnerships that leave women feeling informed, empowered and involved in decisions.
“A great way to identify an advisor who is skilled at serving women clients is to talk to your female family and friends who currently work with one,” Ricklin said. “A referral from someone you trust can be a great place to start. Their experience is a great way to understand what to expect before you invest your time and money in a new advisory relationship.”
Need to connect with a financial professional? Nationwide has a team of specialists ready to listen and learn about your unique insurance and financial needs.
NFM-25521AO
05/2026