What women want

Women may be comfortable managing day-to-day finances but they are generally less likely to make decisions about investments and wealth creation, which is why ANZ has launched an online tool to encourage women to be money confident.

The aptly named website, bemoneyconfident.com, provides women with the knowledge and tools about financial services and important aspects of their lives, including careers and work, home and family, health and wellbeing and planning for retirement.

ANZ segment manager Jane MacLeod said women are responsible for more spending and wealth than ever before and are now seen as savvy consumers.

“When it comes to money women want to be empowered, in control, able to make their own decisions with confidence, reassured they are on the right track, have a coach to inspire them — they want to be financially independent,” she said.

An ANZ-commissioned survey of more than 2,000 Australian women aged 18 to 65 revealed that only one-third of respondents feel financially secure, with one-quarter admitting to spending more than they earned. Only 30 per cent have planned well enough for the future, and 77 per cent claimed they wanted a bank that made them feel confident by supporting them financially.

“We are increasingly engaging in continuous dialogue with our female customers so we can better understand their needs and constantly build learning,” she said.

Armed with these figures, ANZ went on to develop an easy to navigate, free-to-access website that allows women to create their own holistic financial solutions before seeking expert advice.

The website includes podcasts, downloadable consumer guides, user-friendly calculators, useful links and contact details of ANZ staff members.

However, you don’t have to be an ANZ customer to take advantage, according to MacLeod.

“Bemoneyconfident is a wealthy and, we hope, un-intimidating environment that allows women to do with their money what is convenient for them. Use it to learn, explore, plan and share information on the important aspects of their lives,” she said.