Women & Wealth: Financial Planning That Actually Gets It

Something interesting is happening in the wealth world. Over the next five years, women are set to control an even larger slice of the UK’s assets. McKinsey research suggests that globally, women will hold nearly 40% of investable wealth by 2030—and this pool is expanding faster than the overall market.

Here’s the kicker though: despite this shift, only one in six UK financial advisers is female, according to the Personal Finance Society.

At Chesterton House, we’ve done things differently from the start. Half of our Financial Planning team are women, and everyone here understands what really matters to the women we work with – genuine security, family wellbeing, and building a life worth living, not just chasing the highest returns for the sake of it.

Why Women’s Financial Stories Are Unique

Let’s be honest about the reality. Women’s financial journeys often look quite different from the standard playbook:

The longevity factor: Women typically live longer, which means making retirement savings stretch much further – sometimes decades longer than originally planned.

The career reality: Taking breaks for children, caring responsibilities, or starting a business can create gaps in pension saving that compound over time.

Life’s curveballs: Wealth often arrives suddenly through inheritance, divorce settlements, or the loss of a partner. These moments bring complex financial decisions at times when emotions are already running high.

Yet here’s what’s fascinating—research from the Financial Times shows women aren’t naturally more risk-averse than men once they have clear information and a proper plan. The difference? Women prefer investments that make sense for real-life goals rather than unnecessary speculation.

Our Approach: How We Help

Starting With What Matters to You

Everything begins with a proper conversation – no financial jargon, no pressure, just understanding what “great” looks like for you and the people you care about. From there, we build your personal Financial Road Map® that keeps health, wealth, and family at the heart of every recommendation.

A Process That Covers Everything

Our six-stage planning framework means nothing gets overlooked. We’ll work alongside your solicitor and accountant to ensure wills, powers of attorney, and tax planning all fit together properly. No more wondering if you’ve missed something important.

The Right Planner for You

Prefer working with a female adviser? Just say so. Want a mixed team or someone with specific experience in areas like widowhood, business sales, or later-life care? We’ll match you with the right specialist because the relationship needs to feel comfortable from day one.

Communication That Makes Sense

Whether you’re completely new to investing or have been managing portfolios for years, finance shouldn’t feel overwhelming. Nearly 70% of UK women say clear communication is the most important quality they want in an adviser (IFA Magazine)—for us, it’s simply how we operate every day.

We explain everything in straightforward language so you can make informed decisions with confidence. Our planners listen first, then guide—never the other way around.

A Partnership That Evolves With You

Life changes constantly, so your Plan should adapt too. We review your progress at least once a year (more often if needed), and we’re always available for those “Can I just check something?” moments. Many of our clients tell us they value having a trusted sounding board just as much as the technical expertise.

Real Situations We Navigate Together

Going through divorce or separation? “How do we split pensions fairly? Will I be able to keep the house?” We provide cash flow modelling, pension sharing analysis, and coordinate with your legal and tax advisers to ensure everything works together.

Dealing with widowhood? “Where do I even start? Will I be financially secure?” We offer estate settlement support, help restructure investments when needed, and work at whatever pace feels right for your emotional situation.

Taking a career break or returning to work? “Should I pause pension contributions? How do I catch up later?” We create flexible saving strategies, check for National Insurance gaps, and review salary sacrifice opportunities.

Selling your business? “How do I turn this lump sum into lifelong income?” We handle capital gains tax planning, create multi-goal investment portfolios, and explore trust and legacy planning options.

A Team That Reflects Our Clients

While the UK average sits at just 16% female financial advisers, half our Planning team are women. Our Planners hold Chartered qualifications, STEP estate planning credentials, and later-life advice accreditation.

Professional Adviser research shows women often feel “less judged” and more genuinely heard in female-friendly advice environments. That’s precisely the atmosphere we’ve cultivated for every client who walks through our door.

Ready to Get Your Financial House in Perfect Order?

Whether you’re building wealth, protecting family assets, or planning a fulfilling retirement, we’re here to help you take control without needing to manage every detail yourself.

The next step? Book a no-obligation conversation with one of our Financial Planners and discover how an inclusive, holistic approach can transform your financial confidence.

Discover how Chesterton House supports women to build and protect their wealth with inclusive, Values-Based Financial Planning.

 

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FAQs

Why is financial planning important for women?

Women often face unique financial challenges – like longer life expectancy, career breaks, or managing money after divorce or bereavement. A good financial plan helps you stay in control, protect your future, and make confident decisions at every stage of life.

How can a financial adviser help me as a woman?

A financial adviser can help you understand your options, set clear goals, and make smart decisions around pensions, investments, tax, and inheritance. At Chesterton House, we focus on what matters to you – whether that’s security, family wellbeing, or a great retirement – not just chasing returns.

Do women need different financial advice?

Not different – just more personalised. Women’s financial lives often include big transitions and longer planning horizons. We help tailor your plan around real-life priorities like children, ageing parents, career changes and future care needs.

What should I look for in a financial adviser as a woman?

Look for someone who listens, explains things clearly, and takes time to understand what’s important to you. Many women also prefer working with a female Planner or someone with experience in specific life stages – something we offer as standard at Chesterton House.

Is it better to get financial advice during a divorce?

Yes. Divorce is one of the biggest financial turning points in life. A Financial Planner can help you understand the long-term impact of settlement decisions, divide pensions fairly, and ensure your future is secure – especially if you haven’t handled finances before.

What happens to my finances if my partner dies?

It’s common to feel overwhelmed during bereavement. We help you take one step at a time – reviewing your income, investments, wills, and tax position so you can make calm, informed decisions when you’re ready. You don’t have to do it alone.

How can I make up for gaps in my pension?

If you’ve taken time out to raise children or care for others, we’ll look at your National Insurance record, explore top-up options, and help you build a pension strategy that reflects your current situation and future goals.

Can I see a female financial adviser near me?

Yes. Half of our Financial Planners are women, and we work with clients across the East Midlands and beyond. If you’d prefer to speak to a female adviser, just let us know – we’ll always match you with someone you feel comfortable with.

What’s the best Financial Plan for women over 50?

That depends on your situation, but typically this is the time to review your retirement income, investment strategy, estate planning, and any care needs for you or family members. Our Financial Road Map® helps bring everything together in one joined-up plan.

How do I get started with financial planning?

It starts with a conversation. No jargon, no sales pitch – just a chat about your life, your goals, and what’s on your mind. From there, we’ll explain how we can help and what the next steps might look like.