The invisible pension gap for women
Why brokers should look beyond the obvious
The fact is that in retirement, women often have significantly lower pension entitlements than men. This pension gap often remains invisible, and its impact is vastly underestimated. The consequences are serious, not only for the women affected but for society as a whole.
The scale of the pension gap
Women often have no clear idea of how large their pension gap actually is. Every missed opportunity for pension advice makes the problem worse and leaves valuable new-client potential untapped.
Women are financially disadvantaged in old age for many reasons:
- Career breaks: pregnancy, parental leave and caring for relatives lead to lost earnings and lower pension entitlements.
- Part-time work: women work part-time more often, which reduces their income and pension contributions.
- Gender pay gap: on average, women earn less than men, even in comparable positions.
- Lack of financial literacy: without enough knowledge of financial products and retirement planning, important decisions are postponed or avoided.
- Reservations about pension products: many women hesitate to tie up larger sums for the long term, for fear of financial constraints or a lack of flexibility.
The untapped potential for brokers
This is an opportunity for brokers who look beyond the obvious:
- Actively involve the partner: in the advisory meeting, ask about the financial situation of the client's wife or partner. Offer to include her in future meetings.
- Inform and raise awareness: explain the specific risks and pension gaps that affect women. Knowledge motivates action.
- Tailored solutions: offer individual pension concepts designed around women's needs, with flexibility and security.
Your role as an intermediary: empathy and foresight Engage actively with your clients' life situations to recognise their individual needs. Holistic advice strengthens the client relationship and sets you apart from competitors.
Conclusion The pension gap for women is not just a social problem. It is also a missed opportunity for brokers and intermediaries. Use it to position yourself as a trusted partner for the whole family. Proactive, comprehensive advice builds long-term client loyalty and helps reduce financial inequality. At the same time, you grow your client portfolio.
Article published by Prosperity Solutions AG
