Financial Experience & Behaviors Among Women: 2012-2013 Prudential Research Study

Prudential's 2012-2013 Research Study, "Financial Experience & Behaviors Among Women," reveals that while women are more in control of their finances than ever, they are facing significant challenges with financial decision making.

• 53% of the more than 1,400 women surveyed were primary earners, as a result of partners losing jobs during the financial crisis, divorce, and deciding to marry later.
• Only 23% of women feel “well prepared” to make financial decisions compared with 45% of men. See the differences in financial attitudes, perceptions, goals, and confidence between women and men 
• Only 10% of female breadwinners feel very knowledgeable about financial products and services, and are only half as likely to feel well prepared to make wise financial decisions than men.

• 33% of Asian American and 31 percent of African American married women are the higher-income earners, compared with 19 percent of white women. See the differences in the financial experiences and behaviors among women of different ethnic groups 
• Baby Boomer and younger women are “not prepared” for retirement, but women under 35 show more interest in both financial empowerment and the value of financial advice.