In celebration of Women’s History Month, Fidelity Investments has unveiled a comprehensive study highlighting the financial outlook and priorities of women in 2025. The research reveals an optimistic yet cautious approach among women towards their financial well-being, with a strong focus on building emergency savings, tackling healthcare costs, and addressing caregiving responsibilities. Key trends include a shift towards phased retirement and increased contributions to health savings accounts (HSAs). Despite challenges, women remain resilient and proactive in planning for their future.

A New Era of Financial Planning for Women

In the vibrant month of March, as we honor Women’s History Month, Fidelity Investments has released fresh insights into the evolving landscape of women’s financial health. According to the latest data, a significant majority of women are feeling more confident about their financial prospects for 2025. Approximately 61% believe they will be in a better financial position compared to 2024. Moreover, 68% have outlined plans to achieve their financial goals, while 80% aim to bolster their emergency funds.

Looking ahead, the top resolutions for women in 2025 revolve around saving more money, reducing debt, and curbing unnecessary expenses. A notable trend is the increasing preference for phased retirement, where nearly half of the women who retired in 2024 opted for part-time work or flexible roles before fully retiring. This marks a significant change from previous generations, reflecting a desire for a smoother transition into retirement years.

Healthcare costs remain a pressing concern, with rising expenses cited as one of the main reasons why some women feel less financially secure than they did five years ago. To combat this, many are turning to HSAs as a strategic tool for managing healthcare expenses in retirement. However, women are less likely than men to invest these funds, indicating a potential area for improvement.

For women caregivers, financial stress remains high, driven by concerns over unexpected expenses, inflation, and economic uncertainty. Yet, despite these challenges, 81% plan to build up their emergency savings, aligning with broader financial goals.

Opportunities for Employers and Support Systems

The study also highlights the need for employers to provide more tailored benefits that meet the unique needs of women, particularly caregivers. Better pay, work-life balance, and remote working opportunities are among the top priorities for women seeking new employment. Recognizing these needs, Fidelity is organizing a series of events throughout Women’s History Month, featuring accomplished female leaders who will offer guidance on navigating financial changes, healthcare costs, and career development.

Fidelity’s Women Talk Money community provides year-round support through live events, on-demand content, and resources designed to help women take actionable steps towards achieving their financial goals. This initiative underscores the importance of continuous education and empowerment in fostering financial literacy and resilience among women.

Ultimately, the findings from Fidelity’s study serve as a call to action for both individuals and organizations to prioritize and support women’s financial well-being. By addressing key challenges and leveraging available resources, women can continue to make strides towards a more secure and prosperous future.