Let’s Talk About Money: Women and Financial Conversations

Conversations about personal finances can be uncomfortable for some women, and for too long, many have been excluded from the most important financial discussions altogether. But talking about money better positions women to plan, invest, and protect their wealth.

I am Kelly Oliven, a Senior Wealth Strategist in William Blair’s Private Wealth Management Department. Throughout my career, I’ve seen that strong financial planning begins with open dialogue.

One of the biggest forces shaping this moment is the Great Wealth Transfer—the historic movement of wealth from one generation to the next. By 2048, an estimated $124 trillion will change hands across the U.S., and women stand at the center of this shift.

Because women tend to live longer and are already building wealth through careers, businesses, and investments, they are expected to control a growing share of financial assets. And their influence reaches well beyond portfolios. Women also shape the vast majority of charitable decisions and increasingly lead family conversations around estate planning, succession, and the values passed down alongside financial assets.

In doing so, they are redefining what wealth stewardship means, balancing growth and preservation with philanthropy, education, and lasting impact across generations.

Despite this unprecedented shift, traditional financial dynamics have often positioned men as the primary decision-makers, leaving women out of conversations concerning long-term planning and asset-building, which can leave some feeling unprepared to manage wealth confidently.

So what does a real solution actually look like? It starts with a conversation. When women talk openly about money—with their advisors, their peers, even their families—something shifts. Confidence builds. Decisions become more intentional. And the financial plan becomes something you own, not something that happens to you.

But dialogue is just the starting point. Financial literacy is what gives those conversations real weight. Understanding how different components of wealth interact—how your short-term liquidity needs sit alongside long-term growth goals, how various asset classes can work together to generate income while preserving capital—that knowledge changes the way you ask questions and evaluate options.

And then there's the advisory team. The right team doesn't just manage investments. They help you think through tax efficiency so you're not leaving money on the table. They help you think about philanthropy—not as an afterthought, but as an intentional expression of where you want your wealth to go. They help you build an estate plan that reflects your values and protects what you've built.

And as trillions of dollars move across generations in the coming decades, your wealth advisor should recognize that preparing heirs becomes just as important as preparing assets. Engaging the next generation early in financial and philanthropic conversations builds the knowledge, confidence, and shared values needed to steward wealth responsibly and sustain a lasting family legacy.

Risk management matters here, too. It's not just about how much growth you're targeting; it's about understanding the risks you're exposed to and ensuring your plan clearly accounts for them.

When all of these pieces are working together, you're not just building wealth. You're building a financial life that's coherent, resilient, and aligned with your goals. You do not have to navigate life dynamics, complex regulatory changes, and economic shifts alone. Our team at William Blair is dedicated to helping you meet your financial and personal goals with a focus on your evolving needs.

What do you want to accomplish with your wealth? Our team is here to help you navigate important financial decisions with clarity and confidence.