Why I’m Passionate About Helping Women Prepare for Retirement
By Angela Dorsey
For many women, financial independence and a comfortable retirement can seem like distant goals, especially with life’s many responsibilities. Having had the privilege of guiding numerous women through their financial journeys, I’ve witnessed the unique obstacles they encounter—from wage gaps and caregiving demands to life’s unexpected transitions. My mission is to empower women to overcome these barriers, helping them build a strong financial foundation so they can approach retirement with confidence.
How It All Started
I spent over 20 years as a senior compensation specialist for large corporations, connecting with many accomplished and capable professional women. These women were talented, hardworking, and more than deserving of the promotions and salary increases they earned. Yet, many struggled with one area of their lives—managing their finances. Despite their career successes, they often felt overwhelmed by the need to take control of their financial futures but were held back by a lack of time, resources, or expertise.
Addressing Unique Challenges
My journey to helping women started with the idea of a financial practice focused solely on their needs. But I soon realized that supporting women’s retirement goals went beyond financial planning. Before we could dive into numbers and strategies, I needed to guide them through a range of unique challenges, including:
- Increased Life Expectancy: Because women tend to live longer than men, they need to plan for a longer retirement.
- Gender Pay Gap: On average, women earn less than men for the exact same work, which can significantly affect their retirement savings.
- Divorce and Widowhood: Life transitions like divorce and widowhood can have significant financial ramifications, especially for women who have been primary caregivers or homemakers, and not breadwinners.
- Caregiving Obligations: Women are prone to assuming caregiving roles for children or elderly parents, which can disrupt their careers and lessen their earning potential.
By teaching financial principles—budgeting, saving, investing, and more—I equip my clients with the knowledge to make informed decisions and take proactive steps toward their goals. Over time, I’ve seen firsthand how financial education and active planning allow women to transform these challenges into stepping stones toward retirement.
Creating a Sustainable Financial Foundation
A pivotal part of overcoming financial challenges is creating a solid financial foundation. Once you have a nest egg to rely on, pursuing retirement goals becomes much more practical.
Here’s how I help women build that foundation:
- Making a Budget: Create a feasible budget to monitor income and expenses so you can pinpoint areas that need adjusting.
- Reducing Debt: To improve cash flow and lessen financial stress, prioritize debt repayment.
- Saving and Investing: To increase wealth over time, consistently save and invest in a diversified portfolio.
- Safeguarding Assets: Put estate planning techniques into practice to safeguard assets and guarantee a seamless transfer to beneficiaries.
- Setting Clear Financial Goals: Define clear short- and long-term financial goals, such as saving for a down payment on a house, paying for a child’s school, or having a comfortable retirement.
With these foundational steps, I help women create a personalized financial plan that reflects their unique circumstances. Together, we can build a practical pathway toward financial independence and a rewarding retirement.
Reach Out for Help
My goal is to empower women to take charge of their financial futures. Through individualized guidance, ongoing education, and steadfast support, I help my clients approach retirement with confidence and clarity.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your financial journey, or know someone who might benefit, I’d love to connect. Let’s explore how a personalized financial plan can make a meaningful difference in your life.
Reach out today by scheduling a free introductory 30-minute phone call, calling (310) 370-7776, or emailing angela@dorseywealth.com.
About Angela
Angela Dorsey is the founder and financial advisor at Dorsey Wealth Management, a fee-only financial planning firm based in Torrance, California, helping women prepare for retirement. Angela earned a BS in computer science from Loyola Marymount University, an MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Management, and spent 20 years as a Senior Compensation Specialist in large corporations before becoming a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA). That background gave her the tools to couple with her passion for empowering women to make the best financial decisions possible. Angela lives in Torrance, California, with her husband. She enjoys spending time at the beach or surrounded by nature. To learn more about Angela, connect with her on LinkedIn.