Investing for Women: Smart Strategies for Every Stage of Life

By Anastasia Taber, CFP®

Social media might have you chasing the latest “buy the dip” trend, and your group chat could be full of real estate hacks or crypto tips from that one cousin. But when it comes to your investments, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, especially as your priorities and life circumstances shift from decade to decade.

Whether you’re gaining traction in your 20s or planning your legacy in your 60s, smart investing doesn’t just grow your wealth. It creates options, fosters freedom, and aligns your finances with what truly matters to you—not what an app tells you to care about.

This guide offers practical, thoughtful strategies for investing for women at every stage of life, helping you move forward with clarity, confidence, and maybe even joy.

In Your 20s: Start Where You Are (Not Where You Think You Should Be)

Investing for women in your 20s is all about momentum, not perfection. Don’t worry if you’re not maxing out your retirement accounts yet. Start small and consistently increase your contributions annually. A Roth IRA can be your best friend right now because it’s funded with after-tax dollars, so your money grows tax-free for decades. And decades, in this case, are your best friend.

Tip: Skip the “get rich quick” advice and focus on diversified funds managed by an investment company with a well-established track record for investment results. Time is your greatest asset right now. And if your employer offers a 401(k) match? That’s free money, so don’t leave it on the table.

In Your 30s: Build While Balancing

This is often a decade of big shifts: careers, relationships, babies (or not), buying homes, and taking on more responsibilities. Financially, it can feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions. 

Investing for women in your 30s: Stay invested and get more intentional. Up your retirement contributions and build an emergency fund. And don’t forget about a taxable investment account if you’re already maxing out tax-advantaged ones. Diversification is key here, so think of it like building a balanced wardrobe that works for all seasons.

Tip: Start working with a fiduciary financial advisor who can help you prioritize, strategize, and grow your wealth without the overwhelm.

In Your 40s: Optimize and Take Stock

This is your “catch-up” decade. You might be hitting your stride career-wise, but you’re also juggling college savings, mortgages, and aging parents. Does that sound familiar?

Your investing strategy here is focused on optimization. Max out retirement contributions (and yes, get those catch-up contributions!). Consider a health savings account (HSA) if you’re eligible, as it has triple tax advantages and can be a stealth retirement tool. 

Review your portfolio to verify it’s still aligned with your goals and risk tolerance. We understand that life is busy, but don’t ignore your investments. Schedule a periodic “money date” with yourself (and your advisor) to check in.

In Your 50s: Shield and Prepare

Retirement is starting to peek over the horizon, and now is the time to get real about what you want your next chapter to look like. Think of your lifestyle, travel, healthcare, maybe even starting a business or consulting.

Make sure your investment strategy is shifting with you. Start reducing risk where appropriate and take the time to align your asset allocation with your shorter time horizon. This is also the time to get serious about Social Security strategies, pension benefits, or any federal plan options you might have access to.

Tip: Don’t let fear push you into ultra-conservative investments. You may still have 30+ years ahead of you.

In Your 60s: Withdraw Wisely and Plan the Legacy

You’ve done the hard work to build it, now it’s time to shield it. The focus in this decade of investing for women is on distribution: how do you draw down your assets in the most tax-efficient, stress-free way possible?

Required minimum distributions (RMDs), Roth conversions, charitable giving, and legacy planning all come into play. If you haven’t already, it’s time to get clear on your estate plan and talk to your advisor about how your investments can continue to support the people and causes you care about.

Your 60s should feel like a reward, not a puzzle. And with the right plan, it can be just that.

Empower Your Future With Your Next Investing Step

Wherever you are in life, the right guidance can make a world of difference. At TABER Asset Management, we focus on investing for women, providing customized strategies and insights designed to support your financial goals at every stage.

Discover how to put your money to work in a way that aligns with your dreams and start creating the life you want today. Get started today by scheduling a 15-minute intro phone call online or reaching out to us at 703-380-0968 or invest@taberasset.com. 

About Anastasia

Anastasia Taber is an Associate Advisor and leads the financial planning services division at TABER Asset Management, an independent, fiduciary wealth management firm, in Alexandria, Virginia, and Des Moines, Iowa that strives to do one thing well: manage their clients’ money by creating wealth, building wealth, growing income, and preserving capital so they can experience financial freedom. Anastasia is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Georgetown University. She has years of experience working for one of the largest REITS in the U.S., as well as in property management and accounting at a global law firm in Washington, D.C. Anastasia is passionate about exceeding her clients’ expectations and building caring, long-term relationships based on trust. She is known for being detail-oriented and committed to excellence in her work. Anastasia is a co-host on the Creating Wealth podcast. To learn more about Anastasia, connect with her on LinkedIn.