Women Redefine Wellness Through Frugality, Planning

Women are demonstrating a growing commitment to long-term financial wellness and practical money management, according to Fidelity Investments’ 2025 Women & Money Study. In the past year  42% of responding women cut back on non-essential spending, with more than three in four citing economic uncertainty as the main reason. Looking ahead, 47% reported they plan to save more in the coming year, while 35% said they aim to pay down or eliminate debt. Most women expressed confidence in achieving these goals.

“We’re seeing women prioritize long-term security over short-term gratification, and that level-headed approach to finance is so important in any economic environment,” said Alex Roca, a Fidelity vice president of product development and host of the Fidelity podcast, Women Talk Money, in a statement. “This generally aligns with what we’re hearing in client conversations as well—people want actionable plans that fit their personal goals and life stage. Taking simple, thoughtful steps today can make a significant impact in the future.”

Generation Z respondents led in budgeting behaviors, while surveyed Generation X and Baby Boomers focused on cutting everyday costs such as groceries and travel. Nearly 80% of surveyed women took some form of financial action in the past year in response to inflation, interest rate changes and other macroeconomic pressures.

Despite this proactive mindset, financial safety nets remained an area of concern. Almost one-quarter of women said they have less than $1,000 in emergency savings, and one in five reported having no emergency fund—twice the rate of men. These realities contribute to financial stress: 81% of surveyed women said money issues impacted their sleep, and one-third of those cited potential emergency expenses as their top worry.

Career consistency was another area of focus, with only 15% of surveyed women anticipating a job change in the next year. Among those considering new opportunities, higher pay was the most commonly cited motivator (54%), followed by better benefits (24%) and more meaningful work (19%). More than half (56%) said their current role met most of their professional expectations or represented their dream job. However, gender gaps in workplace advocacy persisted—just 29% of women reported having a mentor or advocate, compared with 44% of men, and fewer than half (46%) felt their work was fully recognized.

Inheritance, Long-Term Security

Looking ahead to the projected $124 trillion in generational wealth transfers, many surveyed women viewed potential inheritances as a financial turning point. Among respondents expecting to inherit, 45% said it would ease financial strain, and 41% believed it could enable earlier retirement or career shifts.

Long-term preparedness remained mixed. While two-thirds of surveyed women said they have a financial plan, many said they have not taken the additional steps needed to protect their assets and ensure future stability.

Only 30% said they have completed essential estate documents such as wills or health care directives, 27% reported they have assigned a health care power of attorney, 24% reported assigning a financial power of attorney, and just 16% said they have planned for future care needs. Planning gaps were widest among younger generations, though confidence in managing financial decisions—especially among partnered women—remained high, reaching 87% among all surveyed Baby Boomers.