Women already control about a third of U.S. wealth, and that share is expected to keep growing. McKinsey has projected that women could control nearly $34 trillion in U.S. assets by 2030, or about 38% of the total. Cerulli has also estimated that roughly $54 trillion of the broader wealth transfer will first pass to surviving spouses, more than 95% of whom are women.

For RIAs, this creates both an opportunity and a retention challenge. Women are increasingly becoming the primary decision-makers for household wealth, often after a major life event. Firms that build those relationships before assets transfer can provide more continuity through widowhood, divorce, inheritance, and other transitions.

How Should RIAs Approach Longevity Planning for Women Investors?

Women generally live longer than men, which can create a longer period of retirement spending and a greater need for sustainable income. The risk becomes more important when a woman eventually manages finances on her own.

Ameriprise’s 2026 research on widowed adults found that 84% expected to remain financially independent over the long term. Common concerns included paying for care, avoiding financial dependence, and making sure savings last.

RIAs should therefore model retirement income beyond a joint life expectancy. Social Security survivor benefits, pension elections, healthcare costs, and portfolio withdrawals should all be considered while both spouses are still living. A cash reserve and a time-segmented portfolio can also help provide flexibility during the first years after a spouse’s death.

How Can RIAs Build Financial Confidence for Women Clients?

Financial confidence does not necessarily mean that a client wants to manage everything alone. Many clients want an advisor who can explain decisions clearly and provide a second perspective when circumstances change.

The 2025 survey found that 84% of women lacked confidence managing an inheritance, compared with 73% of men, while 45% said they felt overwhelmed by personal wealth decisions. Ameriprise later found that 58% of widowed adults wished they had someone to talk through financial decisions with.

The most useful education is specific to the client’s situation. Instead of giving a general market presentation, advisors can explain how a trust distributes assets, how required minimum distributions affect taxes, or how survivor benefits fit into the household income plan.

How Can RIAs Support Women Through Major Life Transitions?

Widowhood, divorce, inheritance, and business sales can change both a client’s financial situation and her relationship with an advisor. Cerulli has projected that nearly $40 trillion could transfer to widowed women between 2024 and 2048. At the same time, research shows that many heirs do not automatically remain with the advisor who managed the previous generation’s wealth.

The relationship therefore needs to exist before the transition. RIAs can invite both spouses to regular reviews, document each person’s goals, and make sure both understand the household’s financial plan.

After a death or other major event, the first priority may not be portfolio changes. Clients may need help accessing cash, understanding benefits, updating accounts, and confirming who is authorized to make decisions. Handling those operational needs well can create a stronger foundation for longer-term investment conversations.

What Other Areas Can Help RIAs Deliver More Client Value?

Operational follow-through is another way RIAs can demonstrate value to the entire household.

Securities class action recovery is one overlooked example. Settlements totaled approximately $8 billion in 2025, creating a significant pool of potential recovery for investors.

Platforms such as 11th.com automate the process of monitoring settlements, matching holdings, filing claims, and payout delivery. For RIAs, recovery alpha can help eligible clients capture additional value while reducing the administrative work involved in managing claims.

What Will Serving Women Investors Look Like in 2026 and Beyond?

As more women become primary financial decision-makers, RIAs will need to build those relationships before a major wealth transition occurs.

For firms, that means involving both spouses in planning, preparing clients for longer retirements, supporting them through major life events, and making financial decisions easier to understand. The goal is not to create a separate approach to investing for women, but to make sure every client has the knowledge, access, and relationship needed to manage wealth confidently when circumstances change.

FAQ

Why is serving women investors a 2026 priority?

Women already control a significant share of U.S. wealth, and a substantial portion of future inter-spousal wealth transfers is expected to pass to women as surviving spouses.

When are women most likely to change financial advisors?

Major transitions such as widowhood, divorce, and inheritance can lead clients to reassess their advisory relationship, particularly when they were not previously treated as a primary client.

What planning issues matter most for women investors?

Key areas include longevity, healthcare and long-term care costs, estate planning, and the ability to manage finances independently when circumstances change.

How can RIAs help women build financial confidence?

Include them in planning conversations early and make sure core estate and beneficiary documents are current.

Do women make referrals differently from men?

Some research used by asset managers suggests that women can make more referrals over their lifetime when they have a strong relationship with their advisor.