Women, Wealth & the Power of Conversation
The Truepoint Women’s Wealth Counsel recently had the privilege of hosting a group of our clients and community partners at our office for a conversation around a vitally important (and often under-discussed) topic: financial wellbeing. After our recent collaboration with Power to Pursue, where we participated in a three-part podcast series on financial wellbeing, we felt inspired to create a space where more women could bring forward their questions about key financial topics, meeting their goals, and navigating the technical and emotional complexities of their financial lives. Together, we explored a wide range of financial topics—from saving and investing to retirement and estate planning—all through the lens of encouraging women to feel more in control of their financial futures.
Why These Conversations Matter
One theme came through clearly: financial confidence begins with financial knowledge. For women who have had poor experiences with financial institutions in the past or are finding themselves newly interested in financial topics, it’s key to facilitate spaces—whether through panel discussions, podcasts, or conversations around a kitchen table—where financial curiosity can be cultivated into familiarity and, eventually, fluency. In these environments, women can engage fully with their finances, own their financial philosophies, and plan autonomously for their goals.
Key Takeaways
1. Start Simple
You don’t need to be an expert to begin investing or building a financial plan. In fact, trying to “wait until you know everything” is often what holds people back. Identifying resources for basic financial education (like Investopedia or the Truepoint blog) so you can understand your personal situation and then introducing small, consistent behaviors that compound over time can make all the difference.
2. Financial Planning Is Not One-and-Done
Major life transitions and the financial and emotional complexity that come with those were a major theme of our conversation. Ultimately, a strong financial plan provides direction, but it’s not static. Life evolves. Careers shift. Families grow. Priorities change. As your life unfolds, you will likely experience ebbs and flows of complexity in your finances. Understanding the basics and knowing your own financial philosophy and personal goals will help guide you as you encounter the unexpected, but it’s also key to know when to ask for help—and how to vet potential resources. Having a trusted fiduciary advisor who can help adapt and optimize your plan as you navigate change or increased complexity can make all of the difference.
3. Communication Is Just as Important as Strategy
This was one of the most powerful themes of the discussion. A well-built financial plan is only as effective as the conversations surrounding it. That means:
- Talking openly with those effected by your plan—whether a partner, children, or other beneficiaries
- Introducing age-appropriate financial concepts to children
- Navigating financial decisions with aging parents
- Aligning family members around shared goals and values
Talking about money can be a challenge, but clear communication can be the key to a successful financial plan.
4. Legacy Is More Than Money
We also explored the idea that legacy isn’t just about what you leave behind financially—it’s about the values, intentions, and impact you pass on. Thinking more broadly about legacy can help guide decisions today and create deeper alignment across generations.
More Resources
For those looking to continue learning, we shared several resources that can help make financial concepts more approachable:
Books & web-based resources:
- The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
- A Spectrum of Legacies by Mark Weber
- The Investment Answer by Daniel C Goldie and Gordon S. Murray
- Investopedia
Resources for younger learners:
- Finance 101 for Kids: Money Lessons Children Cannot Afford to Miss
- Finance 102 for Kids: Practical Money Lessons Children Cannot Afford to Miss
We believe financial literacy should be accessible at every stage of life, and these resources are a great place to start. We’ve also created a Financial Wellness Checklist to guide you through key areas. Whether you’re just getting started or revisiting your plan, having a clear framework can be incredibly helpful.
Continuing the Conversation
If you missed our event, you can still engage with the ideas that inspired it. We invite you to listen to our three-part podcast series with Power to Pursue, where we dive deeper into financial well-being and practical strategies for navigating your financial life.
- In Pursuit of Financial Confidence with Gwen Keihl & Deanna Sicking
- In Pursuit of Financial Wellbeing with Lauren Niestradt & Michelle Stevens
- In Pursuit of Financial Clarity with Kate Brownstein & Kristine Kolzing
If there’s one message we hope you take away, it’s this: You don’t have to have everything figured out to begin and you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re not currently working with an advisor, we’re always happy to start with a conversation. No pressure, just a chance to understand where you are and where you’d like to go.
