Personal Finance: What Women Do Better Than Men

Lincoln Financial Group provides perspective on helping women fortify
their financial strengths

RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–When it comes to personal finance, there are some areas where women
simply do it better, according to recent research from Lincoln Financial
Group (NYSE: LNC). Findings show that women, more than men, understand
the importance of saving, recognize that unexpected events have the
potential to disrupt financial stability, and are taking action to help
secure their financial futures. Women have the opportunity to build
on these strengths, while also focusing on areas where they can
improve, such as taking steps to protect their income and wealth.

Women are focused on today and tomorrow

Nearly all women (90 percent) say it’s important to stay on track of
managing day-to-day living expenses, compared to 79 percent of men. And
while both men and women are optimistic about their financial futures¹,
women are more likely to say it is very important to save for the
future, which includes both retirement and other financial goals².

“Our research shows that across the board, women place a higher level of
importance on financial goals,” said Jamie Ohl, president, Retirement
Plan Services, Lincoln Financial Group. “The awareness is there. We
simply have to ensure that we are helping women take concrete steps
toward securing their financial futures, like increasing contributions
to their retirement
plans.”

Women also understand the value of planning for income
in retirement —71 percent believe retirement income planning is an
important wealth-protection strategy for the future. And according to
Phoenix Marketing International³, female decision-makers are
more likely to incorporate financial products that help accumulate
assets to provide income for retirement – such as an annuity – into
their financial plans than male decision-makers.

As part of that strong focus on the future, women are more likely than
men to view life
insurance as critical to their financial well-being — and they’re
taking action. In 2016, 56 percent of women surveyed owned life
insurance, compared to 49 percent in 2013⁴.

Women understand they can’t control everything

Women are also more aware than men that unexpected issues beyond their
control could affect their financial futures. This awareness sets the
stage for women to put in place financial
protections that can help them be more prepared in the event
of unforeseen circumstances – if they are made aware of their options.
Just 16 percent of women feel very confident that they would be able to
cover their current expenses if they were faced with a serious injury or
illness. Forty percent of women worry about becoming unable to work and
make money due to a disability⁵. Women also feel
significantly less prepared than men to protect their wealth from
external factors such as taxes, inflation and market volatility⁶_.

“Women have a firm grasp on the reality that unexpected health and other
issues can arise at any time – disrupting life and throwing a wrench
into financial plans,” said Diane Russell, Senior Vice President of
Group Benefits at Lincoln Financial Group. “And women can turn this
concern into a strength by arming themselves with the right financial
protections. For example, enrolling in various insurance coverages
through work can help protect income and safeguard financially against
the unknown.”

Benefits frequently offered through the workplace, such as disability
insurance, accident insurance and critical illness insurance, can help
provide a layer of financial security in case of emergency. Many women
are already taking advantage of these protections — 63 percent of women
offered disability insurance are currently enrolled, compared to 58
percent of men. However, not as many are taking advantage of benefits
like accident insurance and critical illness insurance, which can help
cover the cost of high deductibles or even provide a lump-sum payout in
the case of a serious illness or injury. Just 52 percent of those
offered accident insurance are enrolled, and 35 percent are enrolled in
critical illness insurance. These types of coverages typically come at
minimal cost through an employer.

Long-term
care coverage is another important consideration for women. The
majority of caregivers in the U.S. are women, which can often lead to
physical, emotional and financial stress – yet only nine percent of
women own long-term care insurance. This type of coverage can help
individuals ensure their care preferences are met should the need arise
in the future, and help protect their families from the often expensive
services associated with long-term care.

Women benefit from personalized guidance

A financial advisor can help women take a holistic view of their
finances, from accumulation, to protection to distribution, helping them
ensure all considerations are taken into account and planned
accordingly. A relationship with a financial advisor is something women
value – research shows that 70 percent of women believe an advisor can
provide wealth protection strategies they could not find on their own⁶
.

That personalized guidance drives action – 71 percent of women say
in-person meetings motivate them to make positive changes in their
retirement savings and investing, compared to 62 percent of men –
helping women continue to improve their financial savvy.

“Women can build on their financial strengths by taking simple steps,”
Ohl said. “Meeting with an advisor, saving more for retirement and
learning what options are available can help women protect their current
and future incomes and help them become even stronger financially.”

For more information about how women can take charge and fortify their
financial strengths, go to www.lfg.com/women.

To learn more about the research cited here, visit our Newsroom.

About Lincoln Financial Group

Lincoln Financial Group provides advice and solutions that help empower
people to take charge of their financial lives with confidence and
optimism. Today, more than 17 million customers trust our retirement,
insurance and wealth protection expertise to help address their
lifestyle, savings and income goals, as well as to guard against
long-term care expenses. Headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania, Lincoln
Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation
(NYSE:LNC) and its affiliates. The company had $229 billion in assets
under management as of December 31, 2016. Learn more at: www.LincolnFinancial.com.
Find us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
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____________________________

¹ Lincoln Financial Group ”The Special Report: M.O.O.D.
(Measuring Optimism, Outlook, and Direction) of America on Employee
Benefits” 2016
² Lincoln Financial Group 2015 Retirement
Power Participant Engagement Survey
³ Phoenix Marketing
International “Global Wealth Monitor” 2017
⁴ Lincoln
Financial Group “The American Consumer Study” 2016
⁵
Lincoln Financial Group ”The Special Report: M.O.O.D. (Measuring
Optimism, Outlook, and Direction) of America on Employee Benefits” 2016
⁶
Lincoln Financial Group ”The M.O.O.D. (Measuring Optimism,
Outlook, and Direction) of America” 2016

LCN-1755411-040717

Contacts

Lincoln Financial Group
Kelly DeAngelis
484-583-1491
kelly.deangelis@lfg.com
or
Amy
Ponticello
484-583-3904
amy.ponticello@lfg.com