I'm proud to admit that I'm a passionate (and often unapologetic) advocate when it comes to providing people with affordable access to justice. And all too often, the complicated situations we help plan members with are legal matters that have emerged from – or are intertwined with – financial challenges. 

When it comes to employees' finances, it's important to note that women in today's workforce face unique, as well as disproportionate challenges.  

Here are some of the main obstacles blocking their path toward financial freedom – and solutions you can offer your clients to help them get there. 

Added financial pressure – and less security

The numbers tell the story: The financial uphill climb women face is real and ongoing.  Women in the U.S. still earn notably less than men, averaging just 82 cents per dollar, while pay gaps are even wider for many women of color. Notably, 61% of young women say they face financial anxiety, stress about finding a well-paying job, and are concerned about balancing their future career and personal life. A recent survey showed that nearly 6 in 10 women are living paycheck to paycheck, compared to 41% of men. And almost half of the respondents reported that basic needs like doctor's visits, necessary medications, mental health care, healthy food, and safe housing have been skipped in the last six months due to cost.

Juggling households, careers and caregiving duties 

What's driving this added financial stress and insecurity? For starters, many women are not only tasked with managing their own financial obligations, but often must deal with the financial challenges or caregiving needs of others, like a parent who needs a medical procedure or a care facility.