Financial Tips for Women: Securing Your Future

Automatically translated from German. · Read original

Financial Tips for Women: Financial independence starts with clear steps – from monthly budgeting and ETF savings plans to pension provision. Experts explain how women can systematically build up their wealth and plan securely for the long term.

Key points at a glance

• Equal Pay Day 2026 falls on 7 March – symbolising 18 per cent of unpaid work.
• Gender pension gap: Women receive, on average, 26 per cent less in pension than men.
• 44 per cent of working women feel they are not adequately prepared for retirement.
• Karoline Decker (FinMarie) advises: “Financial independence starts with an honest assessment of your finances.”
• ETFs offer women a low-cost way to start investing, from as little as 10 euros a month.

Why women particularly need financial advice

In Germany, women are often in a worse financial position than men. Lower salaries, more frequent part-time work and the primary responsibility for care work lead to a significant gap. The so-called gender pay gap still stood at 18 per cent in 2023 – which means that women effectively work 18 per cent of the year for no pay.

“Those who are financially independent can make decisions on their own terms – whether in a relationship, at work or in retirement,” says Jessica Schwarzer, financial expert and journalist.

This inequality is directly reflected in pension provision. According to OECD data, women in Germany will receive on average 26 per cent less in pension payments than men in 2024. At the same time, only 44 per cent of working women feel secure about their pension plans – compared with 61 per cent of men.

Financial Tips for Women: The 7 Most Important Steps

1. An honest financial review: getting a clear picture of your finances

The first step towards financial independence is taking stock. What income do you receive each month? Where does your money go? Daniela Meyer, editor-in-chief of the magazine “Finanzielle”, advises: “If you know where your money is going, you can save and invest more consciously.”

A household budget book or a budgeting app helps you to categorise your spending. Many women underestimate how much they can actually save and invest – until they have a clear overview.

2. Understand and close the pension gap

The German Pension Insurance Scheme sends out an annual pension statement providing information on your projected pension. If you know how much money you’re likely to have available in old age, you can plan for retirement more effectively.

Karolina Decker, co-founder of the FinMarie platform, emphasises: “Many women are unaware that taking time out of work to look after children or care for relatives reduces their pension entitlements.”

3. Start investing early with small amounts

“Women tend to wait for the perfect moment to start investing,” says Astrid Zehbe, co-editor-in-chief of *Finanzielle*. But there is no perfect moment. Even small, regular savings can make a big difference in the long term.

ETFs (exchange-traded funds) are particularly suitable for beginners. They offer broad diversification across sectors and countries and have low costs. Many providers offer ETF savings plans starting from as little as 10 euros a month.

4. Build up a nest egg for financial security

A nest egg equivalent to three to six months’ expenses protects against financial difficulties. This money should be kept in an easily accessible account – such as a call money account with a competitive interest rate.

“We like to call it ‘fuck-you money’ because it allows you to walk out the door at any time,” explains Daniela Meyer.

5. Maintain financial independence in relationships

Financial security should not depend on your partner. Having your own account, your own savings and a clear overview of joint contracts are important. Karoline Decker suggests: “A joint ETF savings plan in the woman’s name can ensure a fair financial balance.”

6. Review and optimise your insurance policies

There are insurance policies a dime a dozen. Dani Parthum advises: “First, write down all your policies on a sheet of paper. Go through each policy individually and ask: What does this policy cover, why do I need it, and how much does it cost me a year?”

Riester pensions are often expensive and offer little benefit. The Consumer Advice Centre can help you assess your policies and cancel any unnecessary ones.

7. Continuously develop your financial literacy

“More and more women are engaging with topics such as wealth building and retirement planning,” says Karolina Decker. There are numerous books, podcasts and online courses specifically for women. Female finance communities facilitate discussion and mutual support.

Financial tips for women: planning your retirement properly

When it comes to retirement planning, it is important not to rely solely on the state pension. A private supplementary pension can bridge the gap. ETF savings plans are particularly well-suited to women because they are flexible and cost-effective.

From the age of 50, women can build up additional pension entitlements through private provision. The so-called ‘transfer of assets’ in the event of divorce or the death of a partner can also provide financial security – but this requires planning well in advance.

Setting and pursuing financial goals

Specific goals motivate you to save. Whether it’s buying a house, a holiday in retirement or funding your children’s education – clear goals help you to stay disciplined. Jessica Schwarzer advises: “Set yourself realistic goals and review them regularly.”

A financial plan should cover all areas of life: a rainy-day fund, retirement savings, insurance and investments. Regular reviews – at least once a year – keep the plan up to date.

Frequently asked questions

How much should a woman save each month for her retirement?

The recommended savings rate is 10 to 20 per cent of gross income. Given the pension gap, women are best advised to aim for the higher end of this range. ETF savings plans can be set up from as little as 25 euros a month.

Which ETFs are suitable for women starting out?

Broadly diversified index ETFs such as the MSCI World or MSCI Emerging Markets are well suited to beginners. They offer diversification across many countries and sectors. Platforms such as justetf or finanztip.de allow you to compare different funds.

How much should a woman’s emergency fund be?

Your emergency fund should cover three to six months’ worth of monthly expenses. If you have an irregular income or sole responsibility for children, you should opt for the higher end of this range. The money should be kept in an easily accessible account.

Is a lump-sum investment better than an ETF savings plan?

In the long term, a lump-sum investment outperforms a regular savings plan: over ten years, a regular savings plan yields an average annual return of 5.1 per cent, whilst a lump-sum investment yields 7.6 per cent. Nevertheless, savings plans are ideal for starting with small amounts and investing for the long term.

How can a woman with a modest income start investing?

ETF savings plans can be set up from as little as 10 euros a month. Many online banks and brokers offer low-cost options. The important thing is to get started – the earlier you do, the more you’ll benefit from compound interest. Small amounts also add up over the long term.

All information is provided without guarantee. Prices and returns may fluctuate. Consult independent financial advisers when making complex decisions.

Sources: Tagesspiegel · WEB.DE · Brigitte.de. As at 28 October 2026.