Janet Yellin's job heading the Federal Reserve brings to four the number of women overseeing the global economy. Yellin joins Christine Lagarde at the IMF, Angela Merkel in Germany, and Mary Jo White at the SEC in positions of enormous influence over how money is saved, spent or accessed worldwide. They are leaders in an industry historically run by men.
Yet throughout history women have been responsible for managing home finances: saving, purchasing and budgeting for themselves and their families. Increasingly they are essential breadwinners as well.
As part of the Changing Lives of Women series, NPR looks at a paradox of women and money: while women perform statistically better than men as investors, they are rarely in the top tiers of finance and generally much less confident about how they manage money. As women in the U.S. anticipate living longer, how are they approaching -- or avoiding -- planning for financial security? How do women in immigrant communities save, share and raise money? And in the U.S., what attitudes or cultural expectations shape how women "do" money?
"Women & Wealth" airs through April 15, on Morning Edition on WFSU 88.9FM and WFSW 89.1FM.
Story Descriptions
Women and Investing
Morning Edition; Monday, March 31
Women in the U.S. have more assets to invest than ever; more are single or making as much as their spouses. Yet they continue to lack confidence when it comes to investing that money -- even though studies show that when they do, they get better returns than men. NPR's Jennifer Ludden speaks with women about their beliefs and fears about money management.
Women and Wall Street Investing
Morning Edition; Tuesday, April 1
Host David Greene talks with long-ime Wall Street banker Sallie Krawcheck about her new venture "85 Broads." Krawcheck was one of very few women in the highest banking jobs in New York, but until recently says she never thought of reaching out to other women as partners in investment deals. That's part of the mission behind her new organization, named for the Wall Street address of Goldman Sachs.
Women and Negotiation
Morning Edition; Monday, April 7
Research shows women negotiate raises less often than men, and that they dislike the process. But for any woman who thinks she's a lousy negotiator, there's some good news. Women negotiate brilliantly when they do it for someone else. Ashey Milne-Tyte of Planet Money reports.
Women and Business School
Morning Edition; Tuesday, April 8
A look at new research exploring gender disparities in business school enrollment. Women report they are less likely to enter business school because they perceive material success to be in conflict with ethical impulses. New research suggests men are likely to experience the same conflict -- they just seem more comfortable in living with it.
Indian Women and Gold
Morning Edition; Monday, April 14
For Indian women, gold is not just about ornamentation. It's a solid investment and insurance policy against bad economic times and marriages that could go sour. The obsession is worth tens of billions of dollars that ties up India's foreign reserves in a commodity that often does little more than sit in vaults. But enterprising, practical Indian women are now using it to get loans to fix houses or start small businesses. NPR's Julie McCarthy reports.
Social Security and Women
Morning Edition; Tuesday, April 15
Guest host Kelly McEvers talks to Social Security Commissioner Carolyn Colvin about how social security plays out differently for women and men. Since women are more likely to take a break from the paid work force, work part-time or in lower-paid fields, their earnings and later payout are usually lower than those of men. Colvin talks about financial factors women need to consider as they balance work and family -- well before retirement is on the horizon.
Cundinas
Morning Edition; TBD
Cundinas are popular with Mexican immigrants in the U.S. looking to save money. A group of family, neighbors or co-workers gets together and gives the appointed "leader" a certain amount of money. Each participant gets the big pot of money at the end of that week or month, like an interest-free loan system. NPR's Shereen Marisol Meraji talks with Latinas in L.A. about why they participate in cundinas instead of going to their local bank.