Women and Investing

Investing principles are largely the same for women and men. However, women do tend to have some unique circumstances, and they need to take the time to learn about investing and money management.

Statistics show that women, in general, outlive men. So, anyone counting on a husband to tend to finances forever is on dangerous ground. Making matters worse, many women spend a number of years out of the paid workforce to care for their children or aging parents. Doing so leaves them with a smaller nest egg. In addition, many women are more risk-averse than they need to be and invest too conservatively.

Stocks shouldn't be shunned, as long as your investment horizon is five to 10 years (or more) away. Here are some Fool articles written about or for female investors. They might just be eye-openers.

• Invest Like a Woman
• Think Like a Woman
• Women Disadvantaged in Retirement
• 10 Money Tips for Women
• Wake-Up Call for Women

Consider forwarding one or more of these articles to a friend who might benefit. Just click on the "Email this article" link you'll find in a box in the upper right area of the page.

Women (and men!) who want to learn more about investing Foolishly can visit our Fool's School and our Investing Basics area. Or check out some of our inexpensive and well-regarded online how-to guides, which come with money-back guarantees. You can also learn all about brokerages and find one that's right for you by visiting our Broker Center. (Did you know that some well-regarded brokerages are offering commissions as low as $5?)

And finally, drop by our Women & Investing discussion board, where you'll find lots of support and information from members of the Foolish community.