The Estate Planning Gender Gap: Why Women Are Less Prepared
News Context
At a glance
- Despite purchasing what might now be their biggest asset, women are less likely than men to have any estate planning documents in place.
- This gap persists even as homeownership among women, particularly younger generations, continues to rise.
- Estate planning rates in the United States remain low with fewer than one-quarter of Americans having even a basic will.
Despite purchasing what might now be their biggest asset, women are less likely than men to have any estate planning documents in place.
This gap persists even as homeownership among women, particularly younger generations, continues to rise. Research shows that 35% of Gen Z homebuyers are single women, a demographic increasingly investing in real estate as their primary asset. Yet despite this financial milestone, many lack basic estate planning tools such as wills or trusts to protect their property and loved ones.