The Shocking Truth About Australia's Gender Wealth Gap - with Sarah Megginson

Today, women live longer than men, but retire with far less money.

And despite all the progress we've made, Australia's gender wealth gap remains stubbornly wide.

Today I'm joined by Sarah Megginson, money expert and Head of Editorial at Finder, to unpack the insights from their 2025 State of Women’s Wealth Report.

We explore why women continue to fall behind financially, what drives the wealth gap beyond pay inequality, and most importantly, what women (and men) can do about it.

You might be thinking, "Well, I’m not a woman — why does this affect me?"

I think you really should listen to today’s show because financial security isn’t just about individuals. It’s about families. Communities. Generations.

When women build wealth, everyone benefits:

• More kids grow up in financially secure homes.
• More wealth gets reinvested into our economy.
• More retirees live independently, not dependent on government handouts.

This is all about building a stronger, fairer, wealthier Australia.

 

Takeaways 

·         Women hold 40% less net wealth than men.

·         The gender pay gap begins in primary school.

·         Women are more likely to work part-time, affecting their superannuation.

·         Education is crucial for financial empowerment.

·         Cultural shifts are changing financial goals for younger generations.

·         The sandwich generation faces unique financial challenges.

·         Women over 50 are at a higher risk of homelessness.

·         Negotiating pay remains a hurdle for women.

·         Small financial steps can lead to significant changes.

·         Parents play a vital role in shaping children's financial attitudes.

 

Chapters 

00:00 Introduction to Women's Wealth Report

04:36 Understanding the Gender Wealth Gap

07:28 The Impact of Career Breaks on Women's Finances

13:04 The Role of Parenting in Financial Education

18:46 The Sandwich Generation: Balancing Care and Career

21:25 Risk of Homelessness for Women Over 50

24:14 Taking Control of Your Financial Future

29:29 Empowering Women to Manage Money

 

Links and Resources:

 

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Finder’s State of Women’s Wealth Report https://www.finder.com.au/insights/state-of-womens-wealth-report-2025 

Sarah Megginson - money expert and Head of Editorial at Finder https://www.finder.com.au/author/sarahmegginson 

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