Your employer provides a financial wellness program—fantastic! But are you truly leveraging it? If you’re among the 59%* of organizations offering such programs, you’re in luck. These initiatives can significantly enhance budgeting practices, reduce debt, and promote financial empowerment for retirement savings. But, are you really making the most of what’s available?

This question is crucial, especially for women. A recent survey highlighted that men tend to benefit more from workplace financial wellness programs than women. For instance, men reported significant improvements in emergency savings (25% vs. 13%), debt reduction (21% vs. 9%), and setting financial goals (23% vs. 15%).

While this gender disparity is disheartening, it can be addressed. Here are five strategies to ensure you fully capitalize on your employer’s financial wellness program to confidently pursue your financial objectives.

Own Your Timeline, But Act Now

If you haven’t begun saving for retirement right after college, you might feel pressured by the common advice to “start early.” Reality shows that few graduates immediately open an IRA. Everyone’s financial path is distinct, and it’s perfectly fine to progress at your own pace.

“Allow yourself the time and grace you deserve,” advises a certified financial planner. “Women often take longer to act because they ask more questions and juggle multiple responsibilities. Once work ends, they still manage family duties, which naturally extends the time needed to gain financial confidence.” Additionally, the gender pay gap can limit disposable income for investment.

That said, you can initiate steps right away, even with minimal time or funds. If your employer’s financial wellness program has gone unexplored, prioritize logging in this week. Set a calendar reminder to ensure it happens.

“Engage promptly; otherwise, you might miss critical years,” warns a senior vice president for Workplace Savings and Retirement Solutions. “If you find yourself single in your 50s without financial confidence, it could lead to challenging circumstances.”

Broaden Your Financial Knowledge

Financial wellness programs are excellent starting points for determining what works best for your unique situation. “These programs help you clarify your needs and preferences. You’ll discover what resonates and what doesn’t,” she explains. “You’ll gain insights into your goals, risk tolerance, and knowledge gaps.”

After engaging with one facet of the program, the next step is up to you. While these programs can be very effective, they won’t cover every detail you need for financial management. Some are structured as a journey while others require you to select relevant components actively.

“I curate my news feed to gather diverse viewpoints that complement my own interests,” she notes, emphasizing the value of combining physical and financial wellness through enlightening podcasts. “If you enjoy walking or running, listen to a financial podcast during your exercise. It can profoundly shift your outlook.”

Don’t Be Overwhelmed by Choices

Logging into your financial wellness program for the first time might present countless prompts about budgeting, savings accounts, retirement accounts, and more. “It can feel overwhelming,” says a certified financial planner. “Focus on small, manageable steps. If opening a savings account is your priority, start there. Once you complete that, move on to the next task. Concentrate on one goal at a time.”

While discussing experiences with colleagues can be beneficial, recognize that your financial needs may differ significantly from theirs. “You might be tackling student debt while someone else has been investing for years but struggles with credit card debt. Center your attention on your own objectives,” he advises.

Request More Support If Needed

Financial stress can adversely affect your emotional and physical health. If you engage with your financial wellness program but still lack clarity on what financial health means for you, reach out to your HR department or program provider.

“HR is eager to assist. They implement these programs out of commitment to their employees’ welfare,” she explains. Your financial wellness program provider is also a resource. “You can reach out and say, ‘I’m on this journey. What can you recommend?’ We welcome those inquiries.”

Many employers offer presentations or workshops as part of their financial wellness initiatives. If the content doesn’t resonate with you, advocate for programs that reflect your preferences and those of other women in the workplace. “If you don’t voice your needs, you may miss out,” she emphasizes.

Make Time Above All

Even the best financial wellness program is ineffective if you don’t engage with it.

“Perhaps finances haven’t been your passion in the past. But without dedicating time to your financial education, progress won’t happen,” advises a certified planner.

Once you start exploring, celebrate your initiative. However, remember that learning isn’t enough—you must also take action. For instance, if you complete a debt repayment module but don’t implement those strategies, you haven’t truly advanced your financial situation.

“Understanding is important, but application is crucial,” he concludes. “Learn as much as you can—then act on that knowledge.”

*Principal® Well-Being Index, January 2023, surveying employers with 10,000 or fewer employees that offer health insurance and/or retirement benefits and self-report they provide a financial wellness program.

For a detailed guide on creating your financial plan, visit principal.com.