Illawarra women over 55 are being encouraged to invest in their financial independence with a free "financial literacy" session to be held next week.
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The Australian Shareholders' Association (ASA) is holding the workshop on Tuesday as part of a national program of 35 such events.
It' s a response to the fact that older women often end up solely responsible for their finances, because of factors such as longer life spans, and divorce.
But older women's financial knowledge might not match their needs.
"Research shows that often finance management has been very gendered," ASA CEO Judith Fox said.
"As couples split up tasks, often it's the men who've managed the finances. Women who have not been involved in finances may be vulnerable if they inherit a financial plan, investment portfolio or SMSP [self managed superannuation fund]."
The workshops are limited to 15 participants and seek to "demystify the financial jargon".
Tuesday's event is to be held from 1.30-5pm at the City Diggers club.
Ms Fox said the workshop could help older women engage with professional advisers, understand a financial plan, clarify options with super, and boost confidence in talking with professionals and family about money.
"If women find themselves inheriting money, one of the things that concerns us is that often children step up and say, 'It's okay Mum, I'll do it' and the children might not be competent or worse, we do know that elder financial abuse is on the rise, so this is about protecting women so they can make decisions about their financial future," she said.
To register call 1300 368448 or visit the ASA website australianshareholder.com.au/fin-lit-project
