Money skills for women for International Women's Day

Reporter Community News

A new course to help women become more confident with money has been launched to mark International Women’s Day on March 8.

Sorted Women is produced by the Commission for Financial Capability (CFFC), which runs the financial guidance website sorted.org.nz

Retirement commissioner Jane Wrightson, who heads the CFFC, said Covid-19 had thrown into stark relief the need for a money course designed for women, by women.

“Our research shows that women have suffered the most from job loss during the pandemic, which comes on top of other economic disadvantages they suffer throughout their working life,” Wrightson said.

The gender pay gap still sits around 9.5%, she said.

Women tend to be the family members who take time out of the workforce to care for children or older relatives, meaning they arrive at retirement with less.

CFFC research shows women are less aware of their KiwiSaver settings, less confident at investing, and fewer women than men seek financial advice, Wrightson said.

“Yet we also know that women are more often the ones juggling money to keep a household running, and shouldering the stress that comes with that."

Sorted Women provides a safe and non-judgemental space for women to learn money skills that will help close the financial knowledge gap many face.

The course includes ways for women to improve their financial wellbeing and investing basics.

For more information go to cffc.govt.nz/sorted-at-work