Author Amanda Holden Encourages Women to Start Investing, Citing Long-Term Benefits

Financial coach and author Amanda Holden advocates for women to overcome intimidation and begin investing to build long-term wealth and independence. In her book "How to Be a Rich Old Lady," released around January 2026, she frames investing as an accessible skill necessary for creating future financial security and life options. Holden defines financial independence as living independently from a partner or a paycheck, ultimately through investment income. She outlines foundational steps: building a six-month emergency fund, paying off high-interest debt, and then investing for retirement. Citing studies, she notes women often achieve slightly higher investment returns than men due to a calmer, long-term approach and less speculative trading. Her core message is that starting, even imperfectly, is critical. She identifies a common mistake as women in partnerships relinquishing long-term financial planning, which can lead to vulnerability later in life, particularly after events like divorce.