Still Playing Catch-Up with Investing? Here’s How You Can Take the Lead
- Davina Jackson
- Apr 24
- 17 min read
Welcome to The Woman CFO – a space crafted just for you, where we help you take control of your money, heal your financial past, and create a financial future you love.
When it comes to building long-term wealth, investing should be a non-negotiable. But for many women, it often feels like something we're late to, left out of, or simply not prepared for.
Instead, we focus heavily on budgeting, saving, and doing everything “right,” but in doing so, we end up in a constant game of catch-up.
This constant scramble leads to what’s called “the investing gap” - a significant issue that impacts everything from our retirement accounts, to our net worth, and our ability to take risks with confidence. And with rising living costs, longer lifespans, and an ever-changing economy, ignoring it is no longer an option.
In this week’s post, we’re focusing on how you can beat the investing gap by taking control of your investments on your own terms. We’ll explore what’s really holding women back from investing, how to shift your mindset around risk and wealth, and the practical, beginner-friendly steps you can take to start without feeling overwhelmed.
Waiting to invest comes at a cost, and every year you spend on the sidelines is a missed opportunity for your money to grow and work for you. You don’t have to be perfect or know everything to get started. You just have to want choices, security, and the ability to show up for the life(style) you deserve.
Let’s chat.
Key Points
The investment gap is real and it’s quietly shrinking women’s long-term wealth.
Women often invest less, later, and with more hesitation due to access, confidence, and representation gaps.
Emotional barriers like fear of “doing it wrong,” money trauma, or perfectionism keep many women stuck in wait mode.
You don’t need to be an expert to start investing. You just need a plan that meets you where you are.
Building wealth isn’t about hustle. It’s about alignment, peace, and financial power on your terms.
You can start investing with small amounts and simple tools even if your income feels limited.
A consistent, values-based approach to investing supports your lifestyle without forcing sacrifice.
When you're ready to grow, diversify your strategy and check in with your financial goals regularly.
Avoid common pitfalls like panic investing, over-researching, or assuming you’ve missed your chance.
Confidence is a muscle. Financial empowerment comes from action, not perfection.
Instant Gratification Zone: Skip to the Good Stuff
What’s the Investment Gap, Really?
Before we talk solutions, we need to get clear on the problem. The investing gap isn’t just a financial issue. It’s a confidence, access, and opportunity issue - and it’s quietly costing us far more than we realize.
So why does this gap exist?
For many women, it starts with delayed entry. Maybe we paused our careers for caregiving, navigated wage gaps, or simply never saw investing modeled in a way that felt approachable or made sense for our lives. Add in the emotional weight of money anxiety, fear of messing up, or the belief that investing is too risky or too complex, and it’s no surprise we hesitate.
That hesitation creates resistance. Not because we don’t care about our futures, but because we haven’t always been welcomed into the spaces where financial decisions are taught, discussed, or normalized.
And the numbers reflect this.
According to a recent Fidelity study, women tend to start investing later, invest less frequently, and contribute smaller amounts than men. Over time, that adds up where the average woman could be missing out on hundreds of thousands of dollars in investment gains over her lifetime - just because she started later or didn’t invest consistently.
In other words, the issue isn’t just how much you invest. It’s when you start.
Small, consistent steps taken earlier can grow significantly over time thanks to the power of compounding. But waiting until you “know more” or “feel ready” can delay your wealth-building journey for years.
So let’s say the quiet part out loud: the investing gap isn’t just about income. It’s about opportunity and whether we’re being given the tools and confidence to take that opportunity.
We already know women are more than capable of building and managing wealth. But when the spaces, strategies, and language aren’t designed with us in mind, we end up on the sidelines, playing it safe while watching others grow their money.
And the cost of waiting? It’s steep. It means a smaller retirement cushion, fewer options, and more financial pressure later in life.
But knowledge is power. If you’ve been wondering whether it’s too late, whether you know enough, or whether you’re ready, the answer is: it’s not, you do, and you are.
You don’t need a finance degree, a high income, or the perfect strategy to begin. What you need is a mindset shift from hesitation to action, from overwhelm to ownership.
That’s exactly what we’re going to talk about throughout this blog post. Keep reading.
Barriers You Don’t Always See (But Definitely Feel)
We know the investing gap is real and expensive. But what keeps so many women from getting started in the first place?
Spoiler alert: it’s not laziness or lack of discipline. It’s a mix of invisible barriers that most women face, but few people talk about.
Those barriers don’t always show up in your budget. They show up in your mindset, your daily life, and the messages you’ve absorbed for years.
Let’s talk about them.
Internal Barriers
If you’ve ever told yourself, “I’ll start investing when I understand it better,” or “What if I mess this up?” you’re not being difficult. You’re being human.
Women are often socialized to strive for perfection, to avoid risk, and to play it safe with money. That conditioning runs deep. Add in any past financial mistakes, family dynamics, or feelings of guilt or shame around money, and suddenly investing feels more emotional than logical.
Even high earners can get stuck here because it’s not about income, it’s about confidence. And confidence grows through experience, not just research.
So if you’ve been in a cycle of reading articles but never opening the account, this is your invitation to shift from learning to doing.
External Barriers
Then there’s the system itself. Traditional investing spaces can feel intimidating, jargon-heavy, and frankly, not made with women in mind.
From clunky platforms to male-dominated discussions, it’s easy to feel like an outsider. And when you don’t see yourself reflected in the financial experts, content, or community, it’s hard to trust that the advice applies to you.
There’s also the reality of how much we carry. Mental load. Caregiving. Emotional labor. These things eat up time, energy, and headspace, making it easier to delay investing until “someday”... even when you know it matters.
And if you're a woman of color, a first-gen wealth builder, or balancing financial responsibilities for both your present and your family’s future? The gap widens, and the pressure multiplies because the impact of the investing gap on women hits differently when you’re carrying more than just your own goals.
Quick Check-In: Are You in the Catch-Up Trap?
The catch-up trap is when you delay action because you feel like you should’ve started sooner. It might sound like this:
“I’ll start when I get a raise.”
“Once I pay off this debt, then I’ll invest.”
“It’s probably too late for me anyway.”
If you answered "yes" to any of these, the only way to catch up is to start now.
Small, consistent steps always beat waiting for the “perfect” time. It’s now or (maybe) never.
Flip the Script: Reframe What Investing Means and Build Your Confidence
For many women, the word “investing” triggers one of two feelings: overwhelm or disinterest. It can seem like something only wealthy people do or a game that’s too risky, too complicated, or just not meant for “people like us.”
That’s exactly how the system was designed to make you feel.
The truth is, investing isn’t very complicated. At its core, investing is about power, building options, and gaining peace - not picking stocks or chasing trends (although some like doing that).
If you can redefine investing through a lens that fits your life, it will become far more approachable and empowering. That’s because when we strip away the noise and redefine what investing actually is, it opens the door to a deeper question:
What if investing isn’t just about money but about the freedom to live life on your terms?
Let’s start there.
#1 Reframe What Investing Means to You
Most of us were taught to think of investing as this complex, intimidating, high-stakes strategy only for the rich. But what if we reframed it?
Investing Is About Freedom, Not Just Wealth
One of the biggest shifts you can make in your investing journey is to understand that investing isn’t about obsessing over the market. It's about giving yourself the freedom to choose whether that's leaving a draining job, taking a sabbatical, or caring for a loved one without stressing over every dollar.
When you start to see investing as a form of care for both your present and your future it stops feeling like pressure and starts feeling like possibility.
For women, this shift is especially powerful because investing then becomes more than just the numbers. It turns into building a life that supports your values where you’re not waiting for permission or perfection. You claim the freedom to live life on your terms.
That’s where the real power is especially when we talk about closing the gap on women and the investing gap.
You Don’t Have to Be an Expert to Start
Once you reframe the why behind investing, the next hurdle is the how. This is where many women freeze, not because we aren’t capable, but because we’ve been made to believe that we need to know everything before they begin.
The reality is, no one can predict exactly what the market will do - especially in today’s climate. But history proves that long-term investing, done consistently, works.
The key isn’t timing the market perfectly. It’s taking the first step. And that’s the hardest part, but also the most important.
Redefine Risk Based on Your Values
Once you’ve determined the why and the how, it’s natural to ask: “Am I doing this right?” The answer will depend less on the market and more on your values. This is where redefining risk comes in.
As you dive deeper into investing, it's important to recognize that risk looks different for everyone. For some, the real risk is doing nothing. For others, it’s staying in survival mode with no plan to build for the future.
So, rather than focusing on the volatility of the market or the latest headlines, take a step back and think about your own definition of risk.
Ask Yourself:
What does financial stability look like for me?
What kind of life am I trying to build and what will it take to get there?
These are the questions that investing can help you answer. It’s not about beating the market or following the crowd. It’s about creating the life you want, on your own terms, with your own values guiding the way.
Once you’ve defined what risk looks like for you, the next step is making sure your mindset aligns with those values. Because clarity without confidence can still leave you stuck and that’s where many women pause.
#2 Mindset Is Everything: Build Confidence That Sticks
While strategy is key, let's not forget this simple truth: your mindset is the foundation of every financial decision you make. It’s the difference between staying stuck and taking action.
When it comes to women and the investing gap, mindset is one of the biggest barriers and most powerful tools we have because even the best strategies won’t stick if your mindset is working against you.
Confidence Isn’t a Prerequisite. It’s a Result.
Confidence doesn’t come first; it comes from showing up. It comes from opening that account, choosing your first fund, and watching your money grow - even if it’s just $50 at a time.
Confidence is built through action, and every small step you take is a win. You don’t have to wait until you feel “ready.”
Quick Tip: Start small. Open an investment account, choose a fund, and watch how your confidence grows with every step you take. Progress is the key here.
Let Go of Guilt and Focus on Progress
What if your money past feels too messy to even begin? Here’s your reminder: you’re not behind, you're just starting from where you are.
Maybe you’ve avoided thinking about your money or made choices you regret. But, carrying guilt won’t grow your wealth. Self-compassion will. Every experience has shaped your money story, and now, you have the power to write a new chapter. So reframe past decisions as learning experiences, not failures.
Remember, perfection is the enemy of momentum, and the sooner you embrace that, the easier it is to start investing. The market doesn’t need you to be flawless; it needs consistency. It’s about taking action, not waiting for the "perfect" moment.
Quick Tip: Set a monthly investing habit, no matter how small. Even $25 invested regularly is building your future and your belief that you can do this.
Community is Currency
This is the part most people overlook: you're not meant to do this alone. The right environment can make all the difference.
When you hear other women talk about investing in ways that resonate with you - whether they’re navigating market dips or celebrating long-term wins - it shifts your perspective, and you start to see what’s possible for you, too.
This is why community is so important. It’s about learning from each other, sharing victories, and gaining insights that make you feel supported and empowered in your journey.
Quick Tip: Follow women-focused investing platforms, read success stories, and ask questions. Surround yourself with money conversations that reflect your values and lifestyle. This kind of support can make a huge difference in how you view your financial journey.
The Bottom Line
Confidence in investing doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built, one decision at a time.
When you flip the script on what investing means, shifting from fear to curiosity, and combine that mindset shift with consistent action, you begin to close the gap on women and the investing gap.
This is how you create lasting financial change and build a life that supports your values.
Let’s Talk Strategy: How to Take the Lead
Now that you understand what investing actually is (a tool, not a test), the next step is knowing how to begin in a way that fits your life.
No, you don’t need thousands of dollars or hours of free time. You just need a starting point that feels doable and aligned.
So let’s break down what it looks like to take the lead in a world where women and the investing gap is still a reality.
Strategy #1: Start Where You Are - Not Where You Think You Should Be
You don’t need a perfect plan to get started because even small, consistent investments can grow over time. So, think $25 a month. Think auto-investing while you’re living your regular life.
The key is consistency, not size. Don’t wait until you “have more” because it only delays your progress. Starting now - whatever your now looks like - puts time on your side.
Action Tip: Choose one platform (like Fidelity, Vanguard, or a user-friendly app like Ellevest or Acorns), to set up an account and automate your first deposit - even if it’s $10 a paycheck.
Strategy #2: Find Beginner-Friendly Tools That Actually Work
There’s a reason index funds are recommended over and over again: they’re simple, low-cost, historically strong, and you don’t have to research individual stocks or track daily market swings.
If you prefer hands-off investing, look at robo-advisors (like Betterment or Wealthfront) that can build a portfolio for you based on your goals and risk level.
Action Tip: Research “index fund investing for beginners” or “robo-advisor comparison” to get familiar with your options. Give yourself 30 minutes this week to explore. No pressure to commit yet. Just research and learn.
Strategy #3: Make Investing Part of Your Soft Life Strategy
Investing should support your lifestyle, not stress it. That means creating a plan that allows you to live now and build for later. It means saving for your next vacation and funding your Roth IRA. It means spending intentionally, not restrictively.
This is what taking the lead looks like. You don’t have to grind to grow wealth. It’s harmony not hustle.
Action Tip: Add an “investing” line to your monthly budget, regardless of size. Treat it like rent or groceries: non-negotiable.
The Bottom Line
Closing the investing gap isn’t about catching up to anyone. It’s about choosing to move forward on your terms.
Your strategy doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be consistent, aligned, and rooted in your values.
Real Talk: Common Mistakes That Keep Women Playing Investing Catch-Up
By now, you know this isn’t just about stocks and funds. It’s about breaking patterns that have kept too many of us stuck. And when it comes to women and the investing gap, it’s not just about starting late, it’s about the habits, fears, and decisions that quietly slow us down once we do start.
These are some of the most common mistakes women make when investing. Be aware so you know how to shift out of them with clarity and confidence.
Mistake #1: Panic Investing without a Plan
You hear something on the news. A friend texts about a “hot” stock. Suddenly, you feel behind and start making random moves.
Take a second to pause before you act. Understand the market will always have noise. What matters is your plan.
📌 Shift this: Create a simple, repeatable investment strategy based on your goals, not headlines. That might mean monthly contributions to a low-cost index fund or using a robo-advisor to automate your strategy. The key is consistency, not chaos.
Mistake #2: Getting Stuck in Research Mode
You want to do it “right,” so you read every article, listen to every podcast, and compare every fund. But days become weeks and you still haven’t hit “invest.”
📌 Shift this: Action is where clarity lives. Pick one reputable platform, open your account, and start with a small amount. You can always learn and adjust as you go.
Mistake #3: Trying to Do It All Alone
You handle everything else, why not this, too? But the truth is, money grows faster when it’s supported. Community, education, and guidance aren’t luxury - they’re strategy.
📌 Shift this: You don’t need to figure this out in a vacuum. Talk to other women who are investing. Find content that speaks your language. Or work with a coach or advisor who gets your goals.
Mistake #4: Believing It’s Too Late
Maybe you think you “should’ve started in your 20s” or “missed the boat.” That kind of thinking is exactly what keeps women and the investing gap alive and well.
📌 Shift this: The best time to invest is when you’re ready to claim your financial power. And that time can be right now. Whether you’re 30, 45, or 60, consistent investing still works. The gap doesn’t close by wishing we started earlier. It closes by taking action today.
The Bottom Line
Investing isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being in motion. Mistakes are part of the journey, but staying stuck in them doesn’t have to be. You’re learning, adjusting, and taking the lead. That’s what changes the game for you, and for every woman watching.
Once you’re in the game, there’s so much more you can do to grow. So let’s talk about what happens after you’ve started.
Leveling Up: What to Do When You’re Ready for More
So you’ve taken that first steps: you opened the account, started investing, and got over the fear of “doing it wrong.” That’s huge.
But you? You’re building momentum. You're ready to go from starter to strategist because staying stuck in beginner mode is one of the subtle ways women and the investing gap continues to widen.
Here’s how you keep it going.
Grow Your Portfolio with Confidence
Once you’ve gotten into the habit of investing regularly, the next step is to think about diversification. That’s just a fancy way of saying: don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
You might already have an index fund or a robo-advisor working in the background. Now’s a great time to ask: What else supports the life I’m building?
You can start to explore:
Target-date retirement funds (great for long-term investing)
Sector ETFs (if you want to invest in areas you care about like clean energy or women-led companies)
Brokerage accounts for medium-term goals (travel, a home, career pivots)
Action Tip: Log into your investing platform and review your current allocations. Are you too concentrated in one area? Could you balance things out by adding a new fund or two?
Don’t Get Derailed by Too Many Choices
The deeper you go, the more noise you’ll hear especially online. Everyone has a “hot take” on what you should invest in. But your investing strategy should be built around your actual life, not someone else’s TikTok tip.
Keep it grounded. If it feels overwhelming, go back to your original goals and values. Those are your compass.
Action Tip: Create a simple investing statement like: “I invest for long-term security, aligned with my values, at a pace that supports my lifestyle.” Use it as your filter anytime you’re tempted to chase trends.
Make Investing Part of Your Financial Lifestyle
This is about more than numbers. it’s about creating systems that support your growth year after year. That means checking in on your investments the same way you check your budget. It means adjusting your strategy when your income or goals change.
The truth is, most people don’t fail at investing because they started small. They fall off because they don’t have a plan to stay consistent.
Action Tip: Set a quarterly calendar reminder to review your investments. No major changes just check in, reflect, and adjust if needed.
The Bottom Line
When women invest consistently and intentionally, we don’t just grow our money, we close gaps, shift generational patterns, and build a future rooted in choice.
The investing gap may still be a reality, but you're proof that it doesn’t have to stay that way.
Own Your Power, Close the Investing Gap
The truth about women and the investing gap is clear but so is the opportunity. It’s not about catching up. It’s about building forward, on your own terms and at your own pace.
There’s real power in deciding that you’re no longer waiting to be invited into the conversation because you are the conversation. YOU get to define what investing looks like for you: guided by your goals, grounded in your values, and aligned with the life(style) you deserve.
Because here’s the thing: if you’ve ever saved for something, made a thoughtful money decision, or set aside funds for your future, you’ve already started. That’s the foundation. Investing is simply the next step. And no, it doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be intentional.
📌 Try this: Say it out loud: I am an investor. Then back it up with one small move today.
Research your 401(k), download an investing app, or set up a recurring transfer. That’s leadership. That’s closing the gap.
This is your chance to build a financial identity that truly reflects who you are, not just in your account balances, but in the way you think, talk, and make choices around money. You don’t have to follow outdated playbooks. You get to create your own, step by step.
📌 Try this: Ask yourself, What does being a confident investor look like for me?
Visualize it. Write it down. Start becoming her, little by little.
Here’s where the impact multiplies: Every move you make - whether it’s investing regularly, learning something new, or having a money convo with another woman - helps close the gap for all of us.
Because when one woman builds wealth, she opens the door for many more.
📌 Try this: Talk about investing with your circle. Host a money chat with your friends. Share what you're learning with your daughter or niece.
Normalize these conversations. Wealth becomes less intimidating when it’s something we talk about, not tiptoe around.
You are more than capable of making smart, bold financial decisions. And every action you take adds to your future. No step is too small. No starting point is too late.
So start where you are. Use the tools that feel right. Build a strategy that honors your values, your lifestyle, and your vision. Wealth isn't built overnight. it's built with consistency, clarity, and care.
This is your moment and your move.
You’re rewriting the rules.
You’re closing the gap.
And you’re leading the way for every woman who comes after you.
