Prudential’s 2012-2013 Research Study, Financial Experience & Behaviors Among Women, reveals that while women are more in control of their finances than ever, they are facing significant challenges with financial decision making. For the first time, the study gauges not only women’s financial attitudes but men’s as well, seeking to identify key ways in which men and women differ in their financial perceptions, approaches, goals, and confidence. The study also focuses on the experiences of Asian American, African American, and Hispanic women, and provides a regional snapshot that highlights key financial differences among women by their geographic location. Key findings:

• 53% of the more than 1,400 women surveyed were primary earners, as a result of partners losing jobs during the financial crisis, divorce, and deciding to marry later.
• Only 23% of women feel “well prepared” to make financial decisions compared with 45% of men. See the differences in financial attitudes, perceptions, goals, and confidence between women and men
• Only 10% of female breadwinners feel very knowledgeable about financial products and services, and are only half as likely to feel well prepared to make wise financial decisions than men.
• 33% of Asian American and 31 percent of African American married women are the higher-income earners, compared with 19 percent of white women. See the differences in the financial experiences and behaviors among women of different ethnic groups
• Baby Boomer and younger women are “not prepared” for retirement, but women under 35 show more interest in both financial empowerment and the value of financial advice.”