The future is longer than you think

For Janielle Porter, financial confidence isn’t about knowing all the answers. It’s about feeling prepared for a future that may last longer than you expect.

Having grown up surrounded by relatives who lived well into older age, Janielle understands the importance of building financial security that can last long beyond the initial years of retirement. In this video, she shares why financial confidence isn’t about knowing everything or becoming an investment expert. Instead, it’s about taking an active role in your financial future, asking questions, staying engaged and feeling empowered to make decisions that support the life you want to live.

 

Women already face unique financial challenges. Career breaks, caring responsibilities and longer life expectancies can all affect long-term financial outcomes. That’s why Janielle believes financial confidence is so important. Not because every woman needs to become an investment expert. But because every woman deserves to feel informed, involved and confident making decisions about her future.

Confidence doesn’t come first

Like many women, Janielle’s confidence with money grew over time. She didn’t have a detailed financial plan from the beginning, and money wasn’t discussed as openly as it is today.

Now, she sees more women talking about goals, sharing experiences and being transparent about the financial future they’re working towards.

These are immense challenges and opportunities impacting modern Australian women.

That openness matters.

When conversations become more normal, asking questions becomes easier. Learning feels less intimidating. Confidence starts to build.

Taking your seat at the table

One of the strongest messages Janielle shares with other women is simple: don’t leave financial decisions entirely to someone else.

Whether you’re managing finances on your own, sharing decisions with a partner or planning for your family’s future, being actively involved matters.

You need to take charge. You need to be an active part of those discussions and building that wealth for yourself and your family.

As more women become primary earners and key decision-makers within their households, financial confidence becomes less of a nice-to-have and more of a life skill.

Start where you are

For anyone who feels behind, Janielle’s experience is reassuring. You don’t need to know everything before you begin. You don’t need the perfect plan. And you don’t need to become an expert overnight.

What matters is taking an interest, asking questions and giving yourself permission to learn.

Looking ahead

Janielle hopes more women feel empowered to engage with their finances, ask questions and build confidence over time.

Because while none of us know exactly what the future holds, we can take steps to prepare for it.

And if that future ends up being longer than expected, that’s something worth planning for.

^{This publication features the personal opinions and experiences of retail clients of Vanguard Investments Australia Ltd (ABN 72 072 881 086 / AFS Licence 227263). These views are presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Vanguard Investments Australia Ltd (ABN 72 072 881 086 / AFS Licence 227263) does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of the opinions expressed in this publication. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and seek professional financial advice before making any investment decisions.}