RJ and Makay

When it comes to putting away money for retirement, women generally trail men by a wide margin, suggests a recent study by financial services research and consulting firm LIMRA.

"Women's average defined contribution (DC) plan balances are only 60% of men's," reports Cecilia Shiner, a senior analyst at LIMRA. "This is especially concerning because women live longer than men and thus need more retirement savings. In addition to a longer average lifespan, women are more likely to have work disruptions for caregiving that hinder their capacity to save. Therefore, they need to capitalize on savings opportunities while they are working."

The Netherlands has rolled out a controversial program designed to help Dutch women fall in love, get married and off of unemployment benefits. Unemployed women are being offered $1,695 for a fashion and beauty makeover, free membership of a dating agency (along with a professional photograph), new hairstyle and outfit, instruction in social and presentation skills and tips from a life coach on how to get a man or a job.

The Dutch logic to the program is that finding love improves confidence, ambition and motivation which contribute to help women get off of state benefits. Some of the local politicians have criticized the program as unethical and a waste of taxpayer dollars. I would add sexist to that list.

WealthManager Web released their third annual 50 Top Women in Wealth Monday. The top 50 women are from the financial services industry, politics, and even law professors who are influencing the financial well being of millions of Americans. The ten women advisory board selected their top 50 from hundreds of nominees.

Some of the winners on the list include women from well known national firms including: Patricia Besser, Managing Director at U.S. Trust; Carla Harris, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley Investment Management; and Sallie Krawcheck, President, Global Wealth and Investment Management, Bank of America Merrill Lynch (couldn't be a list of top women in wealth without Sallie Krawcheck).