In the News: Ami Doshi on Closing the Women’s Wealth Readiness Gap
Women are poised to inherit trillions of dollars over the next two decades. But many say they do not feel prepared to manage that wealth.
Ami Doshi, Director at Hightower Signature Wealth, recently spoke with USA TODAY about the confidence gap many women face as they prepare to inherit and manage significant assets.
Trillions Are Moving. Confidence Hasn’t Caught Up.
“There’s a readiness gap,” Doshi explained.
The scale of the coming transition is significant:
- Approximately $54 trillion is expected to pass to widows through inter-spousal transfers by 2048
- More than 95% of those assets are expected to go to women
- Female-controlled assets are projected to reach $34 trillion by 2030
- 84% of women surveyed said they lacked confidence in their ability to manage an inheritance or financial windfall
These figures point to a growing disconnect. Women are expected to control more wealth than ever, yet many have not been fully included in the conversations and decisions that could help prepare them.
Who Has a Voice at the Planning Table?
Doshi pointed to a long-standing gap in how couples have been served. Even when working with both spouses, advisers have historically tended to center the husband in financial conversations, leaving many women less informed and involved.
That can leave a surviving spouse trying to navigate unfamiliar financial decisions while also grieving a loss. Doshi encourages advisers to make both partners active participants in the planning process. That means:
- Including both spouses in financial and estate planning meetings
- Speaking to both partners, not only the person who responds first or most often
- Giving each person space to ask questions and express priorities
- Understanding how each partner relates to money and what may influence their decisions
Engaging both spouses early can help build knowledge, familiarity, and trust well before a major financial transition occurs.
Financial Readiness Begins Today
Preparation should not begin only after an inheritance arrives or a partner passes away. Women can take a more active role now by learning how their assets are structured, understanding the decisions being made, and asking how today’s choices may affect their lives in the future.
“Be more curious and understand how all actions affect you 5, 10 years from now,” Doshi said.
Advisers also have an important responsibility. By recognizing the relationships and dynamics within a family, they can help make financial planning more inclusive and give every client a clearer voice in shaping their financial life.
The great wealth transfer will represent more than a change in who owns financial assets. It is also an opportunity to help more women build the knowledge, confidence, and support needed to manage wealth on their own terms.
This material is for general information and educational purposes only. Information is based on data gathered from what we believe are reliable sources. It is not guaranteed as to accuracy, does not purport to be complete and is not intended to be used as a primary basis for investment decisions.
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