Finance
Women tend to live longer than men, have truncated or part-time careers where they earn less and - as a result - save less, factors which ultimately contribute to financial vulnerability. Although Utah women participate in the labor force at rates higher than the national average, they are more likely to work part-time, which negatively impacts retirement benefits. Research shows that Social Security is the only source of retirement income for 40% of Utah senior women, which is concerning as this fund is projected to reach depletion by 2034, at which point it will pay only 75% of benefits. The changing landscape in women’s lives and finances requires a shift in attitudes and behaviors in Utah. Women need increased opportunities throughout their lives that will aid in closing the financial literacy gender gap, the distribution of unpaid care work, and the gender wealth gap.
In collaboration with statewide partners, A Bolder Way Forward’s Finance Spoke is working to empower women of any age to achieve financial security and sustainability. Utahns can help increase the financial confidence and competence of women and girls by utilizing the resources below. Individuals, organizations, and communities can also take specific actions to help. To get engaged, email the UWLP Community Connector (Amy Anderson).
Key Resources
Informational Video
Resource Kit
Research Snapshot
What Utahns Need to Know
Spoke Podcast
Bold Goals
Through collective impact and systems thinking, Utah can improve things by working towards the following goals:
- Increase financial competence in high school girls. [Metric Dashboard]
- Increase the percentage of women who feel confident that they can achieve a financial goal. [Metric Dashboard]
- Increase the percentage of Utah women who have emergency savings. [Metric Dashboard]
- Increase the percentage of Utah women who have a retirement account. [Metric Dashboard]
- Increase Utah Women's agreement (understanding and perceptions) in the following areas: [Metric Dashboard]
- I am aware of resources that help me achieve financial security.
- I have utilized resources that have helped me achieve financial security.
- I believe it is valuable for me to understand my personal finances.
- I can manage my personal finances independently and make informed decisions to improve my financial wellness.
- It is important for women to be competent and confident with money. [Increase Utahns' agreement]
Susan Speirs (CEO, Utah Association of CPAs)
Brittany Griffin (Policy & Communications Deputy, Utah Treasurer's Office)
What You Can Do
Download the free 2026 Finance Calendar and complete an action item each month and encourage others to do the same. Access other free research-based resources on this Utah State University website too.
Share Utah’s Finance in the Classroom website with teachers at your local school and encourage them to incorporate finance education in their curriculum. This includes resources for educators, students, and the community.
Participate in the annual Women in the Money conference and online workshops from Empowering Financial Wellness and encourage friends to join you.
Community Partners
The Utah State Treasurer's Office oversees the work of the Utah Council on Financial and Economic Education. UCFEE empowers Utahns to achieve financial freedom and stability by providing access to educational information, tools, conferences, and other resources.
Empowering Financial Wellness at USU Extension helps everyone, including women, limited income households, and community educators across Utah to make informed financial decisions to serve their own life goals and improve financial wellness.
SheMoney advances women's paths to financial wellness. Their mission is to ignite the power of women+ to achieve financial freedom through education, networking, community and experiences.
Junior Achievement aims to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. They give kids from all walks of life an opportunity to realize their potential through practical skills in financial literacy, innovative thinking and workplace readiness.
Upward Personal Finance is a personal finance consulting and coaching firm for women. They focus on the unique needs and concerns of women and help them to be confident and in control of their financial lives.
Utah Money Matters provides practical, accessible resources to improve financial well-being. This community-driven platform is dedicated to empowering Utahns with financial tools and the knowledge they need to succeed.
The Jump$tart Utah Coalition improves personal financial literacy of kindergarten through college-age youth by providing advocacy, teacher trainings, and educational resources.
As a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution, Cyprus Credit Union reinvests in communities and empowers Utahns with personalized service and financial literacy resources.
MACU is a not-for-profit financial institution focused on guiding members toward financial success through its affordable products, community involvement, and financial education.
Rising Violet supports women pursuing financial independence. They provide monetary gifts to women who were previously financially dependent on a partner and are now working toward self-sufficiency.