Have Less Power

Introduction

The Great Wealth Transfer—an estimated $84 trillion shifting from Baby Boomers to younger generations—is often framed as a story of opportunity. One striking detail is that women are expected to inherit more than men, largely because they live longer and often outlive spouses. But there’s a catch: inheriting more doesn’t necessarily mean women will hold equal financial power.

Why Women May Inherit More

1. Longevity Advantage
Women, on average, live longer than men. This means wives are often the last surviving spouse, inheriting family homes, retirement accounts, and investments.

2. Demographic Shifts
Women are increasingly the primary beneficiaries of estates, not only as surviving partners but also as daughters and granddaughters in multi-generational transfers.

3. Rising Financial Influence
By 2030, women are expected to control more than two-thirds of U.S. wealth. At face value, this looks like a win for gender equity.

Why More Inheritance Doesn’t Mean More Power

1. The Pay Gap and Career Inequality
Throughout their careers, women earn less than men, leaving them with smaller retirement contributions and lower financial literacy opportunities. Even when they inherit, many start from behind.

2. Caregiving Costs
Women often bear the brunt of caregiving—whether for children or aging parents. Much of their inherited wealth may be redirected to cover these expenses instead of building long-term assets.

3. Structural Barriers in Investing
Studies show women are less likely to be targeted by wealth managers, venture capitalists, and financial advisors. This lack of access means inherited wealth doesn’t always translate to influence in business or investment decision-making.

4. Power vs. Possession
Holding wealth isn’t the same as shaping how it’s used. Male-dominated boards, financial institutions, and investment networks still control much of the decision-making that directs economic influence.

What Needs to Change

• Financial Literacy & Access: Women inheritors need stronger tools, networks, and mentorship to leverage their wealth.
• Equity in Leadership: More women in executive and financial leadership positions ensures wealth translates into influence.
• Policy Shifts: Addressing pay equity, retirement savings gaps, and caregiving support would strengthen women’s long-term financial power.
• Advisory Inclusion: Financial institutions must adapt services to meet the needs of women clients, not just men.

Conclusion

Women may inherit more in the Great Wealth Transfer, but without structural changes, they may continue to hold less power over how wealth is invested, grown, and passed on. This moment is both a challenge and an opportunity: to ensure that the largest financial shift in history doesn’t just transfer assets, but transforms equity.

Pull Quote: “Wealth without influence is not true power—and women deserve both.”

Call to Action

If you’re covering the Great Wealth Transfer, women’s financial equity, or the future of wealth management, I can help connect the story to workforce, DEI, and generational trends.

👉 Contact me at stephanie@bggenterprises.com.