Tips from Women & Co.

It’s no secret that women – an important segment of the financial marketplace – face different financial realities than those of men. In fact, the vast majority of today’s women, as well as the next generation of women, will be responsible for their own and their family’s finances at some point in time. In our recent Women and Affluence 2008: A Generational Study, Women & Co. found that 63% of women today currently serve as the “Chief Financial Officer” of their households. Of those women, 75% believe that in the future, their daughters will be the CFO of their own households.

Lisa Caputo, Chief Executive Officer, and Linda Descano, CFA®, President and Chief Operating Officer of Women & Co., provide these financial tips to help women navigate this uncertain economy. In times like these, it’s essential to tune out the noise, stay focused and empower yourself with the knowledge and resources you need for long-term financial well-being:

Assess your financial situation: Every woman’s financial situation is as unique as she is. It’s important to talk with someone who understands your personal situation – your goals, time frame, and risk tolerance. First, make sure you have a financial support network in place – including an attorney, accountant, and a financial advisor. If you don’t, ask your family and friends for recommendations. Women & Co. found that 72% of women are using a financial advisor for information, guidance, or a second opinion. Remember – there is no single answer that will work for everyone. Find a plan and support network that works for you.

Plan for ‘Time-Out’ periods: Many women take time out from the workforce to care for children, aging parents, or spouses. Often, these time-outs result in reduced retirement savings and Social Security benefits. Meanwhile, with the average life expectancy for women being 80.4 years and that of men being 75.2 years*, 90% of women find themselves outliving their spouse. Women can prepare for the unexpected by maintaining appropriate insurance coverage, and keeping their will, beneficiary designations, and other legal documents up to date. Start saving early, save more, and of course, plan carefully.

Be a role model: Women & Co. found that 85% of women feel they would have been better off if they had known more about finances and investing earlier in life. Make sure your daughters and granddaughters get an early start by talking to them about money and saving now! Women & Co. found that 94% of women today are talking to their daughters about money compared to 52% who discussed money with their own mothers. Money is the #1 topic of discussion between mothers and daughters today, more than drinking, drugs, sex, and politics. Join the conversation! 92% of today’s women believe they are positive financial role models for their own daughters. Help raise a more financially educated, powerful, confident generation of women by talking to them about money issues early on.

Stay informed: Information is an important component of financial security! 75% of women today consider themselves somewhat to very knowledgeable about finances. Are you one of them? As circumstances change, we need to re-educate ourselves based on whatever new realities we face, in order to make informed financial decisions. Women & Co. found that the top 3 most important resources for women are: a financial advisor, a spouse or partner, and research. Women also told Women & Co. that hard work and discipline are more important than education and luck when it came to financial success. Continue to seek out trusted sources of information that will provide guidance and tools, as well as the ongoing support you need to work towards your long-term financial goals.

Clarify your financial goals: Assess where you are now financially by reviewing your net worth, credit score, and cash flow. Ask yourself, “Where do I want to be in 1 year, 5 years, or even 20 years?” Women & Co. found that women are confident about their retirement, with 62% believing their lives in retirement will be better than their mothers’. Work towards your financial goals, including retirement, by reviewing your finances at least once a year and making sure your savings and investment strategies are aligned with your goals.

About Women & Co.:

Women & Co. is a financial resource program from Citi, dedicated to helping women achieve their financial goals. Women & Co. provides members with education on a vast array of financial and investing topics, which members access through womenandco.com, by reading newsletters, listening to audio conferences, attending Master Class seminars in major metropolitan areas. For more information, visit www.womenandco.com.

See what others are saying about Women & Co. and join the conversation, at the Wall Street Journal: http://blogs.wsj.com/juggle/2008/10/03/another-role-for-mom-chief-financial-officer/.

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* National Center for Health Statistics 2007

** InvestmentNews, 2008

Women & Co. is a membership service that provides financial education and related resources intended for informational purposes only. No feature of the membership shall constitute an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security. The views expressed in Women & Co. educational and related publications constitute the judgment of the author(s) as of the publication date and are subject to change without notice. Any unauthorized use, duplication, redistribution or disclosure is prohibited by law and will result in prosecution. A member is not required to be a customer of a Citigroup affiliate to enroll. Citigroup’s Global Consumer Group and Smith Barney, a division of Citigroup Global Markets Inc., reimburse certain expenses of Women & Co. Smith Barney is a service mark of Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. Women and Company, Women & Co., Citibank, Citi, and Citi with Arc Design are registered service marks of Citigroup Inc. Women & Co., Citibank, and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. are affiliated companies under the common control of Citigroup Inc. Citigroup Inc. and its affiliates do not provide tax or legal advice. To the extent that this material or any attachment concerns tax matters, it is not intended to be used and cannot be used by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law. Any such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer’s particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.