High Costs of Financial Advice Hinder Women's Investment Confidence
High Costs of Financial Advice Hinder Women's Investment Confidence
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
Recent research from Fidelity International reveals a significant gender disparity in financial advice uptake and investment confidence.
Conducted among over 1,000 Australian consumers aged 18 to 59, the study, titled "The Next Generation," highlights that only 16 per cent of women seek financial advisers, compared to 22 per cent of men.
A staggering 50 per cent of women cited financial advice costs as a major deterrent.
The findings underscore another concern: women remain more wary of investment fees, with 61 per cent expressing concern compared to 55 per cent of men. According to Lauren Jackson from Fidelity International, these financial apprehensions are compounded by broader economic pressures, as a significant number of women are already reducing non-essential expenditures to cope with the rising cost of living.
The research indicates that even though women are less proactive in seeking advice, they recognize the importance of financial management. However, despite this awareness, women exhibit lower confidence in achieving long-term financial goals and managing day-to-day finances compared to their male counterparts. Only 13 per cent of women feel confident about meeting financial objectives, versus 22 per cent of men.
Diving deeper, the study notes a confidence gap in evaluating investment opportunities. Just 48 per cent of women feel assured in assessing investments, while 72 per cent of men display such confidence. Additionally, the disparity extends to investment actions, as 24 per cent of women have never invested compared to 10 per cent of men. Women are also less inclined to invest in shares, bonds, or pursue diversification.
Significantly, women prioritize seeking trustworthy financial advice, with 43 per cent expressing concerns over finding reliable consultants. Moreover, they desire advisors who can communicate at an understandable level, with 25 per cent highlighting this need in comparison to 19 per cent of men.
Interestingly, women diverge in their sources of financial guidance. They are more likely to turn to financial news sites (34 per cent) and personal acquaintances (33 per cent) for advice, rather than social media "finfluencers." In contrast, men show a higher inclination towards investment apps.
Promisingly, younger generations, particularly Gen Z, exhibit a growing interest in financial guidance. Half find the prospect of financial advice appealing, suggesting a potential cultural shift that could encourage more women to seek advice, thus bolstering their investment confidence.
Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.
Australia’s proposed expansion of right to repair laws to agricultural machinery is shaping as a timely development for farmers managing high input costs, narrow seasonal windows and the growing complexity of modern equipment. The Federal Government opened consultation on 22 May 2026, with feedback due by 3 July 2026, on whether repair information access should be broadened for machinery used across farming operations. - read more
Melbourne may be moving into a rare window for first home buyers, with Domain’s latest forecast suggesting the city’s median house price could fall below $1 million within the next year. The report points to a possible decline of between 4 and 8 per cent, which would make Melbourne the weakest major capital in the forecast period and mark a notable shift from the rapid price growth seen in many other parts of Australia. - read more
Australia’s general insurance sector is moving towards a significant consumer-protection update, with the Insurance Council of Australia expecting a two-year transition for its redrafted General Insurance Code of Practice. The draft code, released for public feedback in late June 2026, is designed to become enforceable through insurance contracts once it clears the required approval steps. - read more
The Reserve Bank of Australia has released a new framework explaining how it would approach additional monetary policy tools if the cash rate were again pushed close to zero and the economy still needed support. While that may sound distant from today’s lending market, the document matters for borrowers because it clarifies how the central bank thinks about future credit conditions, lender funding costs and the transmission of lower rates through the economy. - read more
Grand Boats Australia’s Southern Hemisphere debut of the Grand G980 adds another notable option to the premium recreational boating market. The 10-metre rigid inflatable boat is positioned as a flagship adventure RIB, combining high-performance offshore capability with the kind of comfort features usually associated with larger cruisers. For Australian buyers, it is another sign that the local market remains interested in versatile boats that can handle family days, coastal exploring and overnight escapes. - read more
Maintaining your truck is essential if you want to prolong its lifespan and save money down the road. Australian conditions can put a lot of strain on your vehicle, and neglecting its maintenance can lead to costly breakdowns and repairs. - read more
In the journey to secure a commercial vehicle loan, preparation is key. Just as a vehicle needs to be in perfect condition to hit the road, your loan application requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure a green light from lenders. This article embarks on the essential journey of understanding the critical checkpoints before applying for a commercial vehicle loan. We navigate through the path of prerequisites that pave the way for a seamless approval process. - read more
If you're running a business in Australia, choosing the right commercial vehicle loan can be pivotal to your success. Whether you're a small business owner needing a delivery van or a large company expanding your fleet, understanding your financing options is crucial. - read more
Small businesses that require regular transportation of goods may find it essential to purchase a truck. However, this acquisition can become a significant investment that requires careful consideration before making a decision. The two options available are buying or leasing a truck. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed choice. - read more
Getting the right truck loan can be essential for business owners who rely on commercial vehicles. These loans cover a variety of commercial vehicle types and are crucial for ensuring your business operations run smoothly. Truck loans, specifically, provide the necessary finances to purchase trucks, which are indispensable in industries like logistics and delivery services across Australia. - read more
Start Here
Get a free truck loan eligibility assessment and compare truck finance and leasing options
without accessing your credit file!!
Knowledgebase
Price-to-Earnings Ratio (P/E): A valuation ratio of a company's current share price compared to its per-share earnings.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.