About

Adrienne M. Penta is a Managing Director, as well as the executive director of the Brown Brothers Harriman Center for Women & Wealth at Brown Brothers Harriman. As more women are contributing substantially to the workforce, that also means that there is a lot more stress for them to bear when a loved one gets sick and they’re faced with the decision to quit their job to be a full-time caregiver. On this week’s show, Adrienne shares what a financial advisor can do for you during this emotional time and how they can set you and your family up for success.   Key Takeaways: [1:15] What is the Center for Women & Wealth about? [2:45] Women are the primary breadwinners in 40% of all US households and they’re starting companies at 1.5x the national average. [3:15] 44% of women do not have a financial advisor and 51% of high net worth women say that their advisors don’t understand them. [4:15] The average caregiver is a woman in her late 40s and she has a parent over the age of 65 and at least one child under the age of 18. They are getting squeezed. [5:15] How does caregiving affect the work that Adrienne does for women? [5:40] 18% of professional women who take 3 or more years off on average lose 18% of their former earning power, and that percentage can increase to 40%. [9:55] Adrienne emphasizes the importance of taking some time off, whether it be for a few days or for a week, to discuss with experts on what to do next and how to accommodate your new responsibilities during a very emotional time in your life. You need a clear head. [12:00] Caregivers don’t have advisors or professional support. So, if you’re going to quit your job, at least get yourself some financial support. [13:35] Adrienne talks about the retirement gap for women. [15:25] Women have to save 18% of their salaries and men only have to save about 10%. [18:40] What should women be aware of as they plan and build their wealth? [20:40] 61% of millennial women say they leave the investing decisions to their husbands. [22:25] The whole family needs to be at the table when it comes to making financial decisions about the family’s future.   Mentioned in This Episode: Bbh.com Adrienne on LinkedIn