How Much Extra Must Women Save for a Secure Retirement?
Retirement should be a time of peace and possibility. Yet for millions of American women, it’s becoming a financial minefield. As NetCredit reports, nearly 4.1 million Americans are preparing to retire this year, revealing a critical story of systemic challenges that threaten especially women’s financial futures.
The Silent Financial Struggle
Behind the statistics lies a deeply personal narrative of economic inequality. Women aren’t just earning less — they’re facing a complex web of financial challenges that compound over decades. The gender pay gap isn’t just about current earnings; it’s a lifelong journey that dramatically impacts retirement security.
Consider the harsh realities: Women earn just 84% of what men earn, live six years longer, and are statistically more likely to interrupt their careers for caregiving. These aren’t just numbers — they’re real-life constraints that reshape financial trajectories.
