Challenge: Women generally earn less

Women who work full-time earn, on average, about 82% of what men

earn. This wage gap can affect overall savings, Social Security

retirement benefits, and, for those lucky enough to have one, a pension.

It also means women are more vulnerable to unexpected economic

obstacles such as a job loss, divorce, single parenthood, illness, or the

loss of a spouse. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Highlights of

women's earnings in 2019, Report 1089, December 2020)