Why Women?
We know that women face unique challenges when it comes to investing and planning for the future. We understand and think you’ll find your relationship with us different. Get to know us at one of our Women with a Vision events by clicking below.
Changing the Dialogue
Just 23%
of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS™ are Female
69%
of Financial Advisors are Men
One of the biggest hurdles in finding sound financial advice is that the majority of advisors in the business don’t look or think like you; just 23% of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS™ are female. What’s more, the culture of the financial services industry hasn’t typically been a welcoming environment where client education is prioritized, making it harder for people to find – and trust – the kind of advice they need.
In addition, women are more likely to be excluded from financial conversations, whether they opt out for lack of confidence or are assumed to be less knowledgeable. This can happen in the workplace, when hiring professionals and at home.
We recognize that many women are confident investors and are by no means less competent in managing their finances. What we see more often than not, however, is a hesitation to demonstrate this knowledge, or if there is a lack of understanding, it’s coupled with self-judgment and a fear of speaking up.
“I’m dumb” “I know nothing” “It’s his money” We hear these statements frequently. Our goal is to remove the “I shoulds” and judgment from the conversation by providing a space to learn, where we’re listening and guiding, as opposed to directing. We all, regardless of gender, will inevitably have the same financial questions and there’s no need to feel badly about not understanding the basics of investing and/or financial planning.
Women are Different
While the principles of investment management are the same for everyone, women face unique circumstances and their investment strategy should reflect those differences
Suddenly Single: It’s not uncommon for women to outsource financial decisions, especially women in the Boomer generation. But what happens when that trusted person is no longer around? If life takes an unexpected turn such as divorce, a medical diagnosis or death, you might suddenly be holding the reins without any idea where you’re headed.
Breaks in Career: Although things have changed in recent decades, women still face difficult challenges when it comes to balancing career and family. Parenting involves countless hours of caregiving, driving and coordinating schedules. These efforts need to be handled by a parent or a trusted caregiver and many women choose to take time away from work, cut back hours or even end their careers, in order to prioritize their families. The effect is lower pay or years without income which significantly impacts long-term savings and social security benefits, not to mention career potential.
Career Focused: While pay equity continues to improve, research shows that women might be left out of conversations or particular types of opportunities, affecting long-term earning power. The issue of pay equity is nuanced and there are many factors at play but the bottom line is that your base salary affects how much you and your employer contribute to your retirement accounts. What’s more, career success often comes with the need to appear confident at all times with little room to ask questions freely for fear of revealing a lack of knowledge or understanding.
We Think Like You
In an industry dominated by men, Vision Capital was founded by two women who saw the need for advice from a different perspective. Today, the familial culture remains and is shared by the entire Vision Capital team.
Nurturing strong, collaborative relationships
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a financial advisor is whether or not you feel comfortable with the person. Our female roots make us different; listening and collaboration are inherent in our approach. Our client relationships often look like friendships because we’re interested in much more than your portfolio. And, like a trusted friend, there is no judgement. We’ll be your advocate and look out for you when you can’t.
Expertise to build dynamic portfolios
Your investment strategy should reflect both your current life status as well as your goals for the future. If you’re taking a break from your career or choosing to stay home for the long-term, you will need to maximize your portfolio’s earnings power and engage in financial planning in order to live the life in retirement you choose. We will help you determine how much risk you need to take as well as how much risk you’re comfortable taking. Based on your risk parameters, we will optimize your portfolio’s return potential so you can keep your focus elsewhere.
Empowering through education
Financial terms can sound like a foreign language. Many advisors are prone to using jargon without stopping to make sure you’re following along. What’s the point? Our relationship will be stronger if you fully understand what we’re trying to communicate. Our goal is for you to feel confident in your financial plan so you can be intentional and thoughtful in your decision making. Client education is a part of every interaction, especially in our regular portfolio reviews. We also host educational lunch & learns and women-focused events throughout the year because we believe it’s time well-spent.
Join our Women with a Vision Series
Sign up to receive invites to our events organized to provide a comfortable, judgment-free environment for women to learn about financial matters relating to life and business.
