What men can learn from women about saving for retirement

Although men’s 401(k) balances tend to be larger than women’s, there is evidence to suggest that women may outperform men where retirement planning is concerned. Vanguard observed that at the majority of income levels, women are more inclined to take part in their employer’s 401(k) plan, more inclined to enroll in the plan on a voluntary basis and more inclined to contribute a greater percentage of their income than men.

For instance, women who earn $75,000 or more on a yearly basis contribute approximately a full percentage point more of income than men who earn the same amount. One percentage point can translate into a significantly greater nest egg and much greater income for retirement.

Women may be better at saving, but because of men’s larger incomes and longer period of time working, their 401(k) balances tend to be larger. While men’s 401(k) balances are about $121,000, women’s are about $78,000.

There are many news stories that indicate that women are more sophisticated investors. They say that an index of hedge funds managed by women performed better than a wider hedge fund index. It has also been said that women spend more time conducting research of investments, exercise more patience and ask questions to others regarding their viewpoints on certain stocks.

Nevertheless, both men and women can find ways to improve their saving, investing and planning. It is advisable to be diligent and disciplined, and to ensure that your saving and investing are part of a long-term plan to realize a certain objective.

The elder law attorneys at Hook Law Center assist Virginia families with will preparation, trust & estate administration, guardianships and conservatorships, long-term care planning, special needs planning, veterans benefits, and more. To learn more, visit https://api.hooklaw.net/ or call 757-399-7506.