Why do so many women feel financially behind even when they’re doing everything right?

For many women in Singapore, future-proofing is already part of daily life. Bills are being paid. Insurance is being managed. Parents are being supported. Most are also carrying longer-term financial responsibilities, from household expenses and debt or housing loans to medical costs and financial support for ageing parents.

Yet despite managing so much, many women still feel unprepared for what lies ahead. Her World’s What Women Want Survey 2025 found that financial planning for later years is the top future-proofing concern among respondents (33%). More than six in ten women (62.3%) said they feel underprepared to support themselves and their loved ones in the years ahead, with one in four expressing strong concern about this gap.

What’s holding many women back isn’t effort, but clarity. 42.7% cited insufficient financial knowledge as a key barrier to future-proofing, while 42% said they feel overwhelmed and 36% pointed to time constraints. The result is a familiar pattern: women doing a great deal for others in the present, while struggling to prioritise their own long-term financial security.

To move the conversation from anxiety to action, Her World spoke to The Weeblings –  sibling duo Aaron and Sara Wee –  who are known for breaking down personal finance into clear, practical insights. Drawing from their own experiences and the conversations they have with their audience, they offer perspectives that serve as a starting point for women to build confidence around money, regardless of age or income.

Tip 1: Start with understanding, not optimisation

Why: Many women feel intimidated because financial planning sounds technical and dry.

Before worrying about investing or retirement targets, focus on the basics: budgeting, tracking expenses, building savings and setting up an emergency fund. “These foundations give you visibility and control,” Aaron explains. “Once you’re comfortable managing money, then you can think about growing it.”

You don’t need to master everything at once. Learning in small chunks builds confidence without paralysis.

Tip 2: Accept that overwhelm is normal and plan around it

Why: Too much information can be just as paralysing as too little, with 42% of women in the survey saying that they feel overwhelmed by the thought of future-proofing. Sara points out that conflicting advice, jargon and fear around topics like incapacity or end-of-life planning often lead to avoidance.

Instead of searching for the “perfect” answer, compare multiple trusted sources. “If several credible people are saying the same thing, and one says something completely different, that tells you a lot,” she says. When confusion persists, that’s the point to speak to a trusted expert instead of quit altogether.

Tip 3: It’s not too late. But it is time to start.

Why: Many women in their late 20s or 30s worry they’ve missed the boat when it comes to planning for the future financially, with one in four women from the survey expressing feeling concerned about being unprepared for the future.

Aaron is quick to challenge that. “You potentially still have 30 to 40 years until retirement. That’s a long runway.”

Starting later doesn’t mean failure. It simply means being more intentional. Even small, consistent steps now put you in a far better position than waiting out of fear or self-judgement.

Tip 4: Ask yourself: Is the problem is financial or emotional?

Why: Many women feel they’re falling short, even while carrying heavy responsibilities.

If there genuinely isn’t enough income to meet your responsibilities, the focus may need to shift towards increasing earnings, whether through salary negotiation, upskilling or side income. “You can’t save your way out of debt,” Aaron notes.

But if the numbers are workable and the anxiety persists, Sara says it may be psychological. Guilt, comparison and pressure to do everything at once often make women feel behind. Clarifying priorities and giving yourself permission to focus on what matters now can be just as important as any financial tool.

Tip 5: Build confidence through small actions

Why: Instead of holding back or overthinking, take small steps to confront financial uncertainties, whether that means logging into your CPF account, reviewing your balances, or making one decision on your own, even if it’s choosing where to put $100 in savings.

Each step reinforces that you’re capable of handling your finances, rather than relying on someone else to do it for you. Remember that confidence doesn’t come before action – it comes from it.

Tip 6: Build your future-proofing and financial planning community

Why: Community reduces fear and keeps momentum going.

Whether it’s a sibling, partner, friend or online community, having people you trust makes planning less intimidating. Accountability matters – especially friends who respect your boundaries and don’t pressure you into spending beyond your means.

“Who you surround yourself with can make or break your financial journey,” Sara says. “Being around people who are curious and learning alongside you keeps you going when things feel confusing.”