Why 60% of Women Feel Unprepared for Retirement

Did you know that 60% of women aren’t confident they’ll retire comfortably?
(Source: Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies)

When it comes to retirement planning for women, we’ve heard countless stories from our clients who are experts in their career fields — teachers and professors, nurses, high-ranking executives, and many others who have spent lifetimes acquiring knowledge applicable to their professions and executing with skill. However, these same women, with all their understanding, still felt uncertain about their retirement. Why? Because analyzing tax codes and calculating withdrawal strategies isn’t their field of expertise — and it shouldn’t have to be, and it doesn’t have to be yours either. The truth is, women don’t lack discipline, intelligence, or success—they lack a retirement plan designed around their real life and a partnership with a retirement financial expert. And that makes all the difference.

What’s Missing From Most Retirement Plans?

Most traditional retirement planning for women falls short by focusing only on savings and investments. But a fulfilling and financially secure retirement involves far more than just accumulating wealth. Here are some of the most common gaps we see:

1. Income and Withdrawal Strategy
Knowing how and when to take income from various sources is critical. Without a clear withdrawal strategy, you could end up paying more in taxes, risking your savings, or simply feeling unsure about your monthly cash flow.

2. Healthcare and Medicare Planning
Many women underestimate the long-term cost of healthcare. A 65-year-old retiring today can expect to spend over $165,000 on healthcare in retirement (Fidelity.com). Having a plan for Medicare and supplemental coverage can help protect your finances from rising costs.

3. Social Security Claiming Strategies
When and how you claim Social Security can significantly impact your lifetime benefits. The right strategy—especially for women who may live longer or outlive a spouse—can make a six-figure difference.

4. Tax and Legacy Planning
Taxes don’t disappear in retirement. Without tax-smart strategies, your income could be eaten away year after year. And when it comes to legacy, many women want to leave more than money—they want to leave clarity and ease for their loved ones.

A Holistic Retirement Plan Brings Confidence

Comprehensive retirement plans for women connects all the moving parts—investments, income, taxes, healthcare, and legacy—and aligns them with your values and lifestyle goals. At Theia Financial, we believe that women deserve more than a one-size-fits-all solution. You need a coordinated, personalized approach that helps you anticipate risk, adjust over time, and live fully with peace of mind.

Take Control of Your Retirement, Starting Today

You don’t need to know all the answers today—but taking the first step can transform the way you feel about retirement.

Here are a few things you can do now to start building confidence:

• Make a list of your monthly income needs and expected expenses in retirement.

• Review your Social Security options and how your claiming strategy could affect your income.

• Consider how taxes might impact your withdrawals—and whether tax diversification could help.

• Reach out to a fiduciary advisor who can walk you through a personalized plan.

Tools and Strategies That Make All The Difference

Confidence comes from clarity—and the right tools make that possible. Our proprietary TheiaPath® System is a guided framework designed to give you a clear, adaptable, and personalized income strategy for retirement.

• We model different income scenarios so you can see how your money will work for you.

• We coordinate Social Security, investments, taxes, and healthcare into one seamless strategy.

• We provide ongoing reviews to adjust your plan as life evolves—because confidence shouldn’t be a one-time event.

You Deserve a Plan That Matches Your Life

You’ve worked hard to build your success—your retirement plan should reflect that same care and intention. A comprehensive, personalized strategy isn’t just about numbers—it’s about peace of mind, clarity, and living life on your terms.

→ Want more helpful guidance? Check out our other resources or schedule a Strategy Session with a Theia Financial advisor today.