Women's financial future could be impacted by a simple decision: choosing the right KiwiSaver fund. According to Westpac, the gender savings gap persists, with women's balances lagging behind men's by 14% on average. This disparity is particularly evident in the 30-39 age group, where men's balances average $28,992, while women's average $21,740. The key to narrowing this gap lies in women's investment choices. Westpac's Sarah Hearn highlights a crucial factor: women tend to opt for less risky funds, which may hinder their long-term financial growth. This is supported by Morningstar data, showing that aggressive funds yield an average 9.5% annual return over 10 years, compared to 4.2% for conservative funds. Hearn warns that this conservative approach could result in a loss of tens of thousands of dollars over decades. The solution? Hearn suggests women consider higher-risk funds if they're saving for the long term and can handle market fluctuations. She emphasizes the importance of women discussing their financial decisions, as men are generally more comfortable with financial conversations. By taking control of their KiwiSaver choices, women can potentially secure a more prosperous retirement, but it's a decision that could cost them $200,000 over 30 years if they don't act now.
