When author and time management expert Kate Christie faced the end of her marriage, she was forced to confront an uncomfortable truth—she had little understanding of her own finances.
Christie recalls breaking down during a business meeting with a major Australian bank, admitting she didn’t even know how to open a bank account. That moment marked a turning point, leading her to take charge of her financial future for the first time since her early 20s.
Like many women, Christie had left financial matters to her husband. While their lifestyle was comfortable, she now recognises the risks of financial disengagement. Research highlights that only 35% of Australian women feel confident making financial decisions compared to 50% of men. Globally, women trail men by eight percentage points in financial literacy, with lack of confidence accounting for a third of this gap (Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center, 2025).
The World Economic Forum also reports that the economic gender gap remains just 68.8% closed, with women less likely to invest or manage long-term assets. In Australia, women retire with 21% less superannuation than men, and 64% report limited investment knowledge.
For Christie, the experience was a wake-up call. She now places wealth management as one of seven priorities on her “Life List.” Her new approach includes tracking all expenses, reviewing business finances weekly, seeking regular professional advice, maximising super contributions, and ensuring her children receive financial education.
“I may not know everything yet—but I know enough,” Christie says, emphasising that financial literacy brings freedom and protection. She urges women to make money management a non-negotiable life priority: “You don’t need to love finance, but you must be fluent enough to safeguard yourself—because life can change in a single moment.”
Explore CXO Insider for the latest innovations in Operations, IT, and Finance, featuring valuable insights from top C-Level industry leaders!
Source: Ceoworld.Biz
