Inspirational financial lessons from 4 of the world’s most successful women

Women are controlling ever-greater amounts of money globally thanks to increased female representation in high-earning careers and a significant upcoming generational wealth transfer.

In 2024, IFA Magazine (10 September 2024) reported that 60% of the UK’s wealth may be in the hands of women by the end of 2025.

Yet, gender pay, pension, and investment gaps continue to present financial challenges for women. What’s more, research by HSBC (8 March 2024) has revealed that women are less confident about managing their finances than men.

So, empowering women to take control of their wealth has never been more important. Indeed, boosting your financial literacy and confidence could help you achieve the long-term security you desire for yourself and your loved ones.

Keep reading to discover four inspiring financial lessons from some of the world’s most successful women.

1. Michelle Obama – “Know your worth.”

The former first lady of the United States (2009 – 2017), originally qualified as an attorney, and has since held diverse roles as a public sector worker, podcast host, motivational speaker, and author. During her time in the White House, Michelle championed multiple initiatives, such as the educational programmes Reach Higher and Let Girls Learn.

She has written multiple books that detail her journey and advocate for ongoing personal growth.

In her bestselling memoir, Becoming (2018), Michelle says, “There’s power in allowing yourself to be known and heard, in owning your unique story, in using your authentic voice.”

She also speaks of how important knowing your worth is and tells readers that when faced with challenges and uncertainty, she repeats to herself, “Am I good enough? Yes, I am”.

Unfortunately, women continue to lag behind men in financial confidence and literacy. PA Future (7 March 2025) reports that traditional gender roles remain prevalent, with women more likely to oversee household finances while men take responsibility for longer-term planning such as pensions (43% of men compared to 32% of women) and investments (38% compared to 19%).

Adopting the self-validation and recognition of self-worth that Michelle Obama champions could be a crucial stepping stone to building the confidence, identity, and long-term thinking you need to take control of your wealth.

This might include:

• Making bold career choices
• Setting financial boundaries
• Becoming financially independent and resilient
• Being more assertive in negotiations with your partner or employer.

As such, knowing your worth could be a cornerstone of financial empowerment.

2. Oprah Winfrey – “Take control of your finances, or they will control you.”

Oprah Winfrey is an American talk show host, television producer, actress, author, and media mogul. Raised in poverty, Oprah’s extraordinary success is a testament to her determination and resilience.

Early in her career, Oprah realised that the key to achieving her goals was to take control of her future, which she did by:

• Seizing every opportunity to educate herself and excel academically
• Saving hard to buy the rights to her hugely popular TV programme, The Oprah Winfrey Show (and eventually the television studio)
• Building a media empire that provides her with multiple income streams
• Turning her vulnerabilities into strengths – for example, leveraging her battles with weight loss to form a lucrative partnership with WeightWatchers.

Oprah’s incredible journey from poverty to multi-billionaire is an invaluable lesson in how financial independence could help you achieve the freedom to live life on your terms.

While you may not have your sights on fame and fortune, harnessing the self-belief that Michelle Obama advocates for alongside the grit and determination espoused by Oprah Winfrey, might be a powerful strategy for achieving your personal goals.

Read more: Money mindset – How to change your thinking and achieve your financial goals

3. Sallie Krawcheck – “Invest like a woman”

Sallie Krawcheck is an American business executive and entrepreneur. She is best known as the co-founder and CEO of Ellevest, a digital investment platform for women.

Sallie has been recognised as one of the most influential women in business and has been featured on lists such as Forbes’ “Most Powerful Women” and Fortune’s “Top Female Founders”.

She is on a mission to empower women financially and close the gender investing gap – where women tend to invest less and have a lower appetite for risk than men.

Indeed, research by Aviva (11 March 2024) has revealed that 37% of women do not invest – compared to 24% of men – due to:

• Believing the risk is too high (18%)
• Feeling that it’s too complicated (10%)
• Not knowing where to start (6%).

Yet, Krawcheck emphasises how long-term investing can help you, as a woman, to:

• Build wealth over time through compounding returns
• Achieve financial independence and control your future
• Make choices that align with your goals and aspirations.

In contrast, failing to invest could mean that women miss out on significant wealth accumulation.

Read more: 2 powerful ways to boost your investing confidence as a divorced woman

4. Claer Barrett – “Don’t let complexity keep you from taking action.”

Claer is an award-winning financial journalist, broadcaster, and commentator who has worked at the Financial Times.

She has written extensively on personal finance topics and aims to break down complex jargon in a way that both educates and empowers individuals about managing their wealth.

In her book, What They Don’t Teach You About Money: Seven Habits to Unlock Financial Independence, Claer debunks common money myths and offers actionable advice to help individuals overcome the perceived complexities of personal finance.

She also explains how understanding the psychology of money could help you replace unhelpful financial habits with more positive ones.

Essentially, Claer’s message is not to let your concerns about the “complexity” of managing your money stand in the way of your financial freedom. Instead, by asking questions and taking small steps towards improving your financial literacy and confidence, you could gradually build the long-term security you crave.

Get in touch

As an empathetic female financial planner, I can help you build the skills, knowledge, and confidence to take control of your wealth and build the future you desire.

To find out more, please get in touch by email at lottie@truefinancialdesign.co.uk or call 03300889138.

Please note

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate tax planning.

The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. 

Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.