Firm aims to bridge the gap in women’s financial literacy

Viridian Financial Group Limited (VFGL) has announced the launch of its “Pave the Way” program aimed at bridging the gap in financial knowledge for women.

Recent data from Allianz revealed that twice as many Australian women, 34 per cent, exhibit low financial literacy compared with men, 16 per cent.

“In response, Viridian Financial Group is taking proactive steps to bridge this gap with ‘Pave the Way’. Following a successful pilot program involving over 120 women, the company is now eager to expand its reach and impact,” Viridian said.

The program will be run by a group of female financial advisers, portfolio managers and team members from within the company and will cover topics such as financial agreements, investment strategies, estate and retirement planning, and superannuation.

Melissa Goodman, private portfolio manager at VFGL’s Infinity Capital Solutions and founder of the program, said she is eager to engage with and reach more female customers.

“We are thrilled to officially launch and expand the ‘Pave the Way’ program. Through our initial workshops, we have seen firsthand the positive impact that financial education and empowerment can have on women’s lives,” Goodman said.

“As a wealth management business, we have the knowledge and skill set to make a difference to the women in our lives, whether they are our clients, colleagues, family, or friends. At VFGL, we’re focused on breaking down stereotypes that surround women and finance.”

She noted the importance of creating a safe space for women to discuss finances and find support.

“Too often, money is a taboo topic among females and ‘Pave the Way’ offers a safe and constructive space for women to have an open dialogue with one another,” Goodman said.

“From firsthand experiences, we discuss real-life events that offer invaluable insights into a wide range of financial scenarios including buying a home or changes in family dynamics.

“This allows us to communicate the importance of financial knowledge at all stages of life.”

Raamy Shahien, joint chief executive officer at VFGL, said the program is an important part of the company’s commitment to improving the financial literacy of Australian women.

“Our dedication to narrowing the advice gap remains paramount, ensuring accessible and impactful expert financial guidance for all Australians,” Shahien said.

“We are enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead and steadfast in promoting financial literacy and empowering our clients.

“Through our partnerships and the dedication of our team, we are confident that we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of women across Australia.”