To be honest, this does not seem to be a coincidence. The truth is that the broader financial system was designed years ago, when the idea of who an investor was remained very narrow. The main problem is that these outdated models still affect how financial advice is delivered to everyone in the same way, without thinking about their different issues and problems.
Many women and LGBTQ investors face the same problem, and that is that traditional financial advice does not suit their needs. They feel misunderstood, ignored, or even exploited by the finance industry that claims to serve everyone equally.
Let’s explore why women and LGBTQ investors often get burned by traditional financial advice, what systemic biases exist in the finance industry, and how inclusive, capital-protected planning creates true financial security.
Why So Many Women and LGBTQ Investors Don’t Trust Financial Advisors
This lack of trust does not come from nowhere. It happens because of repeated experiences of being ignored, misunderstood, and forced into financial decisions that are not suited for them.
If we go back into history, we will see that the financial industry was built around a single assumption: that the primary earner was a man, while women were expected to be housewives or homemakers.
So the way financial products, retirement planning, and investments are advised is well suited for men, but there is little to no consideration for women and LGBTQ individuals at all.
Financial advice follows a one-size-fits-all model, and that model is still used today.
Women, widows, divorcees, and LGBTQ individuals often do not fit into this old financial model, but they are still given advice that was designed for someone else’s life.
The Hidden Biases in Traditional Financial Advice
1- Financial Planning Was Not Designed for Women
Women usually live longer than men, and they are more likely to take career breaks because of their children. They are also more likely to manage their finances independently later in life.
Women usually also face:
• Gender pay gaps
• Lower pension contributions
• Greater impact from inflation and economic downturns
2- LGBTQ Investors Face Systemic Barriers
The sad reality is that traditional financial advice is rarely adjusted for these realities. Retirement projections, risk tolerance assumptions, and income strategies are often not aligned with women’s actual financial journeys.
LGBTQ individuals face different challenges that are usually not discussed in mainstream financial planning.
Research consistently shows that many LGBTQ clients experience bias, exclusion, and discomfort when dealing with financial institutions and banks. Financial products and financial advice often fail to address:
• Complex estate planning due to uneven legal recognition
• Lack of spousal or survivor benefits
• Difficulties related to name or gender marker changes
• Cross-border legal inconsistencies
When advisors ignore these realities, the result is not financial security but financial vulnerability.
3- Widows and Divorcees Are Often Left Exposed
Life is unpredictable, and sudden life changes such as widowhood or divorce can force people into unfamiliar financial situations. Without the right guidance, many people make risky decisions at the worst possible time in their lives.
Traditional financial advice often lacks the sensitivity and customization required for these life transitions, which increases the risk of long-term financial damage.
Why One-Size-Fits-All Financial Advice Fails
Generic financial advice assumes:
• A linear career path
• A single household structure
• Uniform legal protections
• Standard retirement timelines
But real lives don’t work that way.
When advice doesn’t match reality, investors face:
• Higher financial risk
• Missed opportunities
• Inadequate retirement income
• Poor estate planning outcomes
Tailored financial planning isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity for long-term stability.
A Better Approach: Safety, Clarity, and Inclusion
At Carey Suen, the approach to financial planning is fundamentally different.
We do not chase high returns or push generic products. Instead, the focus is on:
• Capital protection
• Clear communication
• Predictable income
• Custom strategies built around real lives
Our financial plans and advice are based on the client’s personal situation, family structure, goals, and comfort with risk. Our priority is to protect the principal while creating steady, reliable income streams.
Transparency is central. Clients understand exactly how their money works, what risks exist, and how their assets are protected. There are no surprises and no hidden assumptions.
Most importantly, the approach is inclusive. Women, LGBTQ individuals, widows, and divorcees receive advice that reflects their lived realities, not outdated financial stereotypes.
Real Client Example: Inclusive Planning in Action
One LGBTQ client approached Carey Suen with serious concerns about estate and legacy planning. Their relationship was not consistently recognized across different legal jurisdictions, creating uncertainty around inheritance and partner protections.
Their top priorities were:
• Securing their partner’s financial future
• Ensuring assets were distributed according to their wishes
• Reducing legal and financial risk
To address this, Carey Suen collaborated with legal experts to build a comprehensive plan that combined:
• Capital-protected income strategies
• Tailored estate planning tools
• Wills, trusts, and powers of attorney designed for LGBTQ clients
By aligning investments with these legal structures, the client gained both financial stability and peace of mind. Their capital remained protected, income was predictable, and their family’s needs and values were fully respected.
This is what inclusive financial advice looks like in practice.
Why Inclusive Financial Advice Creates Better Outcomes
When financial advice reflects real lives, investors gain:
• Greater confidence
• Reduced risk exposure
• Clear long-term planning
• Stronger legal and estate protection
• Reliable income without unnecessary stress
Financial security isn’t just about numbers. It’s about understanding, trust, and alignment.
Final Thoughts
Women and LGBTQ investors are not unsuccessful when it comes to investing or achieving financial freedom. The truth is that they have been given financial advice that was not tailored to their needs and lives.
They should never avoid investing. Instead, they should choose a financial advisor or advice that prioritizes safety, transparency, and inclusion.
If you’re looking for a personalized, capital-protected plan without the outdated one-size-fits-all approach, you can book a free, no-pressure strategy call with us.
