Women live longer. Is your retirement plan built to last?

_{By Sonia du Plessis}, _{Head of Brenthurst Wealth Stellenbosch}

Women’s Month is a time to celebrate how far we’ve come in gaining equal rights and taking ownership of our lives and futures.

But it’s also a time to pause and ask one very tough question: Are you financially prepared for the years after retirement?

On average, women live about four years longer than men.

That extra time can be a gift to spend more time with your grandchildren, more freedom to travel, and chances to enjoy the life you’ve built. But it also means your money needs to stretch further.

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However, most women retire with less than men.

Why does this happen? I believe it’s because the usual retirement advice doesn’t match the real lives we lead.

It assumes a straight path: full-time work from your 20s to your 60s.

No career breaks. No part-time jobs. No time off to care for children or ageing parents. It doesn’t take into account the gender pay gap either.

So, the reality is clear: Women often have fewer working years, lower lifetime earnings, and more financial demands, but we still need our savings to last longer.

Breaking entrenched thinking

It has also been shown that despite greater financial independence, many women still don’t work with a financial adviser.

A global study found that over half of the assets controlled by women remain unmanaged.

That’s a huge missed opportunity: not just for growth, but for your peace of mind.

Fortunately, things are shifting.

The research showed that women now control about a third of global financial assets, with this growing to nearly half by 2030.

Confidence is growing, especially among younger women who are asking more questions, comparing services, and taking a more active role in their finances.

They’re also quicker to switch advisers if their needs aren’t being met.

5 tips to take charge of your future

Talking about and making financial decisions can seem overwhelming. But only if you remain uninformed and uninvolved in your finances.

Here are five things you can do, starting today:

1. Be part of the money talks

If your partner usually meets with the financial adviser, go with. Listen. Ask questions. Even if you don’t manage the day-to-day finances, you should still understand the bigger picture. It’s your future too.

2. Save what you can, when you can

Small amounts matter. If you’re between jobs, freelancing, or raising a family, try to keep contributing to your retirement. It’s not about how much, it’s about staying in the habit. Over time, those contributions can really grow.

3. Know what you own — and what you don’t

Which assets are in your name? Are there any trusts? What does your marriage contract say? You don’t need to know every detail, but you should understand what it says and how you’re protected. Too many women only discover the full picture when it’s too late to change it.

4. Update your will and review your partner’s too

Wills are often forgotten. But they’re powerful tools to protect your wishes and the people you love. If you haven’t checked yours in years, do it now. Make sure it still matches your life.

5. Work with someone who sees the full you

Find a financial adviser who understands that your journey might include career gaps, caregiving, or uneven earnings. You want someone who listens, respects your input, and involves you every step of the way.

This Women’s Month, take a moment to ask yourself:

• Do I know if I am on the right path for a comfortable retirement?
• Do I know where my money is, wat instruments it is invested in, and how it’s working for me?
• Should the sudden death of my partner or divorce cross my path tomorrow- will I know how to handle the finances going forward?

You don’t have to have all the answers. But you do need to be part of the conversation. Because this is about more than money: it’s about your independence, your peace of mind, and your ability to live the life you choose.

And if you’re not sure where to start, speak to a certified financial planner. Someone who sees you, hears you, and helps you build a plan that fits your life.

It’s your future. Let’s make sure it works for you – every step of the way.

_{* Sonia du Plessis, CFP®, is Head of Brenthurst Wealth Stellenbosch [email protected]}

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