Investment tips for women at different life stages

As their wealth grows, more women today are keen to take care of their finances and achieve financial independence.

In Hong Kong, close to 60% of women feel like they are financially independent, but less than half of them are confident in their ability to make independent investment decisions, even though, ironically, women often make better investors.

Endowus SG’s data suggests that our female clients generally have less of a trading mentality compared with male clients — they invest less frequently, and also redeem less often, even during periods of market volatility.

The wealth journeys of some women may also differ from those of men, due to factors such as career breaks, pay differences, a longer lifespan, and the greater need for flexible work arrangements for caregiving.

Driving financial inclusion and literacy will be the key to helping women conquer their fears and empower them along their investment journey. Technology can be leveraged to support women when making informed investment decisions, giving them the confidence to take charge of their own financial future. 

As Asia’s leading digital wealth management platform, Endowus’ mission is to democratise and advance wealth management at scale through technology. Endowus enables our clients to invest better to live better with greater access to expert advice, great products at low and fair fees. We’re thrilled to see that our Endowus SG platform has now arrived at a healthy gender mix of 40% of female investors. Regardless of your background or financial status, everyone should have the right and  opportunity to take charge of their own financial well-being, especially amidst growing concerns surrounding retirement readiness and maintaining quality of life. 

Against this backdrop, we invited two female leaders from our team, Steffanie Yuen and So Sin Ting, to share their story on how investing has empowered them, and their personal investment tips for women at different life stages. 

Investing as a working professional 

 “Patience is the most important attribute of all successful investors.”

Steffanie Yuen, Managing Director and Head of Hong Kong, Endowus

In the early days of my investment journey I had firmly believed investing is all about math and numbers. But over time, I realise it is in fact all about human psychology. 

As Warren Buffet once said, “patience pays” when it comes to investing. Know your life goals, set up portfolios towards achieving that and be patient.  

There is nothing as to the “best” investment that we all seem to want to chase towards, but the most suitable investment, based on your own circumstances and life needs. 

Tips for you:  

• Adopt a rational approach: Having a data-driven approach can help  with rationalising investment decisions. Seek long-term returns by investing early, time in the market always trumps timing the market.
• Take charge of your own financial wellness: Young female professionals should accustom themselves to being proactive when it comes to saving. Turn investing into a daily habit.
• Work with a trusted financial advisor: Leverage expert advice to point you in the right direction early on in your investment journey while you maintain full control of your portfolio. Digital advisors are more readily accessible at your convenience and on your schedule. 
• Start slow: Begin by investing in funds managed by experienced fund managers to help you get acquainted with investing before dipping your toes in riskier investments.

Investing as a mother

“Investment is about financial freedom.”

So Sin Ting, Chief Client Officer, Endowus

My investment purpose changed after marriage and the addition of new members to my family. I don’t invest just to grow my wealth, investing has become fundamental for me to achieve financial freedom. The investment mindset we should adopt goes beyond having the ability to cushion short-term market volatility, but also encapsulates long-term goals of living out our ideal lives with loved ones. 

Tips for you:  

• Deploy time-saving investment tools: Moms devote most of their time to their family. Make the best use out of limited time,   by leveraging digital tools to receive real-time market updates and complete faster transactions with low or zero costs.
• Create an emergency fund: Set aside part of your investment capital to create an emergency fund to cushion unexpected family financing needs. 
• Low-risk investment options: Short-term government bonds, savings insurance, time deposits etc. are ideal instruments for women, especially for non-working moms, who are less tolerant of investment risks. 

Everyone should have the opportunity to build their wealth. Endowus hopes to empower more women to take care of their own finances, in whichever life stage they may be at. To get started with Endowus, click here.

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