Women have made tremendous strides in the workforce over the past few decades. But when it comes to retirement, a significant gap remains, and closing it takes awareness and a proactive plan.

The reasons are layered. Women still earn less than men on average, which limits their ability to save and reduces future Social Security benefits.

While women make up nearly 55% of Social Security recipients aged 62 and older, their average benefit is about 21% less than men's. U.S. News & World Report.

Career breaks for caregiving, whether for children or aging relatives, compound the problem.

Women are also less likely to invest than men, in part due to lower confidence about engaging with the stock market. A 2024 SoFi survey, referenced in the article, found that 25% of men have $50,000 or more invested in stocks, compared to just 14% of women.

Add a longer average lifespan to the equation, and the challenge becomes clear: women often need more retirement savings, but many have less.

The good news is there are real strategies that can help. If your employer offers a 401(k), take advantage of it as early as possible and try to contribute the maximum percentage allowed. The employer match can meaningfully boost your contributions over time.

If you've taken a career break, consider whether part-time work could keep retirement contributions flowing. Married women should also confirm they are listed as the beneficiary on their spouse's 401(k), and look into spousal Social Security benefits, which can be up to 50% of a partner's primary retirement amount.

Talk with your financial services professional about building a plan designed to bridge the gap and go the distance.

DISCLOSURES: Advisory Services offered through Cooper Financial Investments, LLC, a

Registered Investment Advisor in the states of Arizona and Louisiana. Insurance products and

services offered through Cooper Financial Group, LLC, an affiliated company. Cooper Financial

Investments, LLC and Cooper Financial Group, LLC are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social