Women in public service significantly more concerned than men about finances

Women in public service significantly more concerned than men about finances
Retirement is a particular worry among female employees in government roles.
DEC 16, 2024

Women working for state or local governments are significantly more concerned about their retirement planning and other finances than male colleagues.

A recent survey by the MissionSquare Research Institute reveals that while three in ten men in public service roles are uneasy about having enough money saved for their retirement and about their emergency savings, this rises to more than four in ten among female colleagues. 

Most employees in state and local governments have access to defined contribution accounts and defined benefit pension plans, but this may not be of comfort to the sizeable share of respondents that are struggling with everyday expenses.

The report, in collaboration with Greenwald Research found that women are twice as likely than men to say they are unsure how to utilize their retirement savings (26% vs. 13%) and are less likely to say that they are encouraged to stay in their current role due to their retirement savings (54% vs. 68%).

Women also told the survey that they are keen to receive more information or financial education on taxes, retirement planning, benefits, and other key financial topics.

“Our research underscores the substantial financial challenges faced by women in public service, particularly regarding retirement,” said Zhikun Liu, Ph.D., CFP, head of MissionSquare Research Institute. “Women are significantly less likely than men to report having personal savings, pensions, or defined contribution plans, which contributes to their financial worries. There is also a strong demand among women for enhanced financial education programs and resources. These findings suggest that state and local government employers should consider reviewing their retirement benefits for women and increasing financial education initiatives and communications.”

Latest News

Trump account confusion is widespread among parents — and advisors have an opening
Trump account confusion is widespread among parents — and advisors have an opening

Only 7% of U.S. parents are "very confident" they understand how the Trump accounts work, says Omni Calculator

Receiver sues to recover alleged Traders Domain Ponzi profits
Receiver sues to recover alleged Traders Domain Ponzi profits

One transfer alone came to $5.6m, and the receiver says none of it was real profit.

SEC accuses S2A Modular founders of alleged $65 million investor fraud
SEC accuses S2A Modular founders of alleged $65 million investor fraud

Investors chose which factory to fund - the SEC says the money went elsewhere.

Ameriprise gets narrow relief from FINRA panel in latest recruiting dispute with LPL
Ameriprise gets narrow relief from FINRA panel in latest recruiting dispute with LPL

Ameriprise and LPL Financial for the past few years have engaged in a financial advice trade war.

Am I stuck? Rethinking career mobility at every stage
Am I stuck? Rethinking career mobility at every stage

Why advisors at every stage may have more leverage, flexibility, and strategic options than they realize.

SPONSORED Direct indexing webinar targets tax-loss harvesting amid market swings

Northern Trust’s Ken Lassner shows advisors how to convert volatility into after-tax portfolio gains

SPONSORED Who builds the income when the pension disappears?

Dan Biagini of American Equity says the steady decline of pensions, longer lifespans and a reset in interest rates are rewriting how advisors build retirement income