Inspiring and Important Facts

Seems that financial literacy has the usual paradoxical elements...the good and not so good. I found these inspiring and important facts when you look at the topic through the lens of women.

• The 10.6 million privately-held, women-owned (by at least 50%) businesses post over $2.46 trillion in sales annually and employ over 19.1 million people. (Center for Women's Business Research 2004)

• 90% of all women will be solely responsible for their finances at some point of their lives. (National Center for Women and Retirement)

• Women represent nearly half of all investors with $100,000 or more in investable assets. More than half of them are financially independent rather than relying on their spouse, family or inheritance (Women's Financial Network at Siebert, 2002)

• 80% of all widows living in poverty were not poor before their husbands died. (HHS Administration on Aging, 2000)

• Women retirees receive 50% of men's average pension benefits. (Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement, 2001)

• Women make up 43% of Americans with assets over $500,000. (Private Banker International, 2003)

• 75% of elderly persons living in poverty are female. (HHS Administration on Aging, 2000)