Investing For Women, By Women

Cindy Witt and Linda Bergren, a pair of investment advisors who work for a major investment agency, are quick to admit that the basic investment strategies for women are the same as they are for men: invest early, diversify, don't waste your long-term bucks on CD's (unless we're talking Jimi Hendrix), and set aside some portion of your investments for easy liquidity. So, what's the difference? Simple, women have several reasons for getting involved in their financial futures: they outlive men by an average of seven years, are paid 20-40% less than their male counterparts, lose approximately 11 work years to childbearing and raising and, on the whole, save less. The unfortunate reality, as Witt and Bergren point out, is that 60% of women face their retirement years alone, and the median income of a single woman over 65 is a mere $9,032. This is a strong and compelling call to action, which should make women think seriously about their financial futures. At the discounted price for libraries, it's a darn good bargain too. Enthusiastically recommended. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)