95% of women agree that the financial industry wasn't built with women in mind. 0% disagree.

Considering that stats show women are more negatively affected than men when markets are volatile, it felt extra good to read all the headlines about women flexing our financial power in uniquely feminist ways this summer. Very “She’s Barbie. He’s just Ken.”

We wanted to hear directly from you, the Ellevest community, to better understand how you feel about bold money moves made by women, for women. The results of our 2023 Fall Financial Power Survey were exciting — the events of this summer set up so many of you to feel strong, in control, and liberated. But the survey responses were also sobering. After all, we’re not in Barbieland.

Here are some surprising themes and responses we heard from you about stepping into your financial power. One thing’s clear: You’re investing for you.

These links are worth the screen time

• These business grants can help bridge the funding gap for Black women, the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the United States (and frustratingly, among the least likely to be funded).
• “Women don’t need to be ‘empowered.’ We have power, something that we clearly demonstrated this summer as women across generations embraced their financial clout.” CEO Sallie Krawcheck wrote a piece for Chief last week, reminding us why we need to start “playing” business as a team sport, not an individual one.
• The prenup is getting popular: Half of US adults say they’re now open to signing one in a new survey. As you know, we’re day-one fans.
• During an unprecedented period of popularity and success, young athletes talk to Shondaland about the state of women’s sports — and the fight to level the playing field.
• What’s your cutoff for the price of a cocktail? Why does it cost so much to leave the house these days? Lindsey Stanberry shares data and anecdotes from people around the US who are stressed about inflation. ⁠
• How to invest $50,000 in 2023, according to Ellevest Chief Investment Officer Dr. Sylvia Kwan.⁠

You deserve to feel good about your money.