Should women take less investment risk than men?

No. Investment risk tolerance should be based on an individual's goals, time horizon, financial circumstances, and personality, rather than gender. Because women typically have longer life expectancies, taking appropriate long-term investment risk is often vital for capital growth.

What is a 'money date' and why is it useful?

A 'money date' is a dedicated monthly habit where you set aside time to review your accounts, check progress towards personal goals, track cash flow, and make adjustments to build financial confidence without needing to be an expert.

5 Money Myths Women Should Stop Believing

Financial independence is often presented as something that only happens once you reach a certain salary or wealth tier. Nicola Langridge, Financial Planner of the Year 2025, unpacks the money beliefs holding women back.

Financial wellbeing is not just about how much money you have, but how effectively you direct your existing resources to achieve your goals. Challenging outdated financial misconceptions is one of the most powerful steps women can take towards building resilience, confidence, and long-term autonomy.

Myth 1: You need “enough” money before achieving freedom

Whether someone holds R50 000 or R50 million, financial freedom comes from knowing what matters most to you and intentionally aligning your money with that vision.

The Goal: It isn’t necessarily to have everything, but to have enough for the specific life you want to live.

Myth 2: “If I trust my partner, I don’t need to understand finances”

Delegating financial decisions entirely to a partner can seem convenient, but trust should never replace basic personal awareness of asset structures, debts, and liabilities.

The Practice: Being financially informed isn’t about mistrust—it is a essential form of self-care and resilience.

Myth 3: Independence requires a major financial breakthrough

Building wealth rarely requires a sudden windfall or massive salary increase. It is constructed through small, consistent habits executed disciplined over time.

Actionable Growth: Incremental monthly savings, adjusting allocations as income grows, and expanding knowledge create compounding results.

Myth 4: Women should automatically invest more conservatively

Risk profile should depend on individual goals, horizons, and cash flow needs—never gender. Because women typically outlive men, their capital needs to grow for longer.

Perspective Shift: Focus on determining which investment risks are necessary to beat inflation and achieve long-term growth.

Myth 5: You need to be a financial expert to feel confident

Financial confidence doesn’t mean knowing every market mechanic or tax code detail. Instead, build a simple, powerful habit: schedule a regular monthly “money date” with yourself.

Review monthly cash flow and spending patterns without judgment.
Track progress toward specific short-term and long-term milestones.
Adjust savings allocations or emergency buffers where necessary.

Start Where You Are

Financial independence is built by staying informed, taking consistent action, and making intentional decisions about your future. You do not need perfect market conditions or technical mastery to begin—you simply need to engage with your financial reality and take ownership of the next step.

“Financial confidence doesn’t come from knowing all the answers. It comes from regularly engaging with your finances and feeling empowered to make decisions about your future.”

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Featured Insights from Nicola Langridge, CFP®

Nicola Langridge is the Financial Planner of the Year 2025. She is dedicated to helping individuals align their financial resources with their core values to build sustainable, lifelong wealth.

5 Money Myths Women Should Stop Believing