Amanda Holden is on a mission to help women transition from uncertainty to confidence in their investment journeys.

As we move into 2026, we celebrate a significant milestone: Fidelity reports that 71% of women now invest in the stock market, a rise from 60% in 2023. This is truly impactful.

Despite this progress, many women still find it challenging to identify as investors. The same survey reveals that only 35% of women view themselves as investors, compared to 52% of men. This distinction matters, as self-perception affects our willingness to act, trust our decisions, and build wealth according to our own terms.

Amanda Holden aims to transform this mindset. She recently shared insights from her new book, How to Be a Rich Old Lady, during her conversation with Jean Chatzky. The book serves as both a practical investment guide and a motivational call for women's financial freedom.

Embrace Your Inner Rich Old Lady

Jean Chatzky: You encourage readers to channel their inner rich old ladies. Can you explain the visualization exercise you suggest?

Amanda Holden: The key is to think about how relaxing weekends feel when you're not working. This 'rich old lady' concept symbolizes achieving financial independence.

Financial independence, in this context, allows one to leave the workforce without relying on a paycheck. With many feeling disillusioned about their jobs and the job market, envisioning a life free from work can be quite inspiring.

Understanding the Three-Fund Portfolio

Amanda Holden: For U.S. investing, I prefer a total stock market index fund over an S&P 500 fund, as it offers more diversified exposure. When it comes to international stocks, look for a developed international market index fund.

A bond market index fund should typically include a mix of government and corporate bonds, often featuring some asset-backed securities. This approach is an excellent starting point. Funds with corporate bonds tend to yield slightly higher returns over time compared to those that only hold treasury bonds.

If you're aiming for higher returns and can handle some volatility, consider a broader fund that includes corporate bonds. Conversely, for greater stability, a treasury bond fund may be more suitable, though it may sacrifice some potential upside.

Creating a Life of Freedom

Jean Chatzky: If you're nearing retirement but feel your savings may not be enough, what steps should you take?

Amanda Holden: The figures can be daunting. Saving enough to sustain yourself for two to four decades is no small feat, and many aren't saving adequately.

This isn't due to a lack of effort; it's a challenging task. In our society, especially with the weakening of the social safety net, retirement depends on having sufficient funds. We can only step away from work when we have enough financial resources. Thus, it's crucial to start saving and investing as early as possible and to make it a priority each year.