The United States is in the midst of a seismic shift in wealth. Often referred to as the “Great Wealth Transfer,” it describes the unprecedented movement of assets from the Baby Boomer generation to their heirs — an estimated $105 trillion by 2048. Women are poised to inherit much of that wealth.
At the same time, women are not waiting to build wealth. A 2025 investor study by J.P. Morgan Wealth Management found that 93% of women expecting an inheritance are not relying on it to reach their financial goals.
Here are a few tips for women to consider on their wealth-building journey:
Create a financial roadmap
A detailed, well-thought-out plan can make a big difference. J.P. Morgan’s study found that 90% of those surveyed with a plan feel confident about reaching their financial goals, compared with 49% of those without one.
Your plan should reflect your unique goals, priorities and circumstances. Are you saving for a home, preparing to send your children to college or thinking about retiring early? Where do you want to be in five, 10 or 20 years?
Everyone’s financial situation is different, so it’s important to build a plan that fits your life. Be sure to revisit it regularly as your goals and circumstances evolve.
Women also tend to live longer than men and are more likely to take time away from work to care for family members. Those factors can shape long-term planning and should be taken into account.
Where to start with investing
Don’t let misconceptions hold you back. You don’t need a large sum to start investing, and getting started early can give your money more time to grow.
Before you begin, take a close look at your overall financial situation. Set clear goals and develop a long-term plan.
It’s also important to prepare for the unexpected. Building an emergency fund — typically three to six months of expenses — and paying down high-interest debt can help create a strong foundation before investing.
Taking charge of your finances
The good news is that women are taking charge of their finances. The J.P. Morgan study found that 75% of women respondents either lead financial decisions or share that responsibility with a partner.
If you have a spouse or partner, it’s important for both people to stay involved in financial planning.
Building wealth can be empowering. The survey found that 73% of women respondents said money provides a sense of security, while 64% of Gen Z and millennial women said it represents freedom.
The power of having a team
You don’t have to do it alone. Some people find it helpful to work with a financial advisor who can help create a plan tailored to their goals and keep them on track over time.
If you expect to receive an inheritance, it can also be helpful to consult estate planning and tax professionals.
No matter where you are on your financial journey, education is key. There are many resources available to help you become a more informed investor, including free tools at chase.com/theknow.
As the wealth landscape continues to evolve, women have a unique opportunity to shape their financial futures — and those of future generations. By staying informed and planning ahead, they can position themselves to navigate the Great Wealth Transfer with confidence.
The views, opinions, estimates and strategies expressed herein constitute the author’s judgment based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice, and may differ from those expressed by other areas of J.P. Morgan. This information in no way constitutes J.P. Morgan Research and should not be treated as such. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions. For additional guidance on how this information should be applied to your situation, you should consult your advisor.
JPMorgan Chase & Co., its affiliates and employees do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any financial transaction.
Investing involves market risk, including possible loss of principal, and there is no guarantee that investment objectives will be achieved. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Diversification and asset allocation does not ensure a profit or protect against loss.
J.P. Morgan Wealth Management is a business of JPMorgan Chase & Co., which offers investment products and services through J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (JPMS), a registered broker-dealer and investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC.