Alternatives, Women, and Wealth: Megan Smith

Please text and tell us what you likeWomen are consistently outperforming men in investment returns—by about four basis points—yet they're starting later and investing less. This fascinating paradox lies at the heart of our conversation with financial services veteran Megan Smith, who brings decades of experience in alternative investments and client advising to the table."Investing is more about patience and consistency than it is about number crunching," Smith reveals, challenging the notion that successful investing requires complex mathematical skills. Instead, she points to women's tendency to be less emotional about their investments and more focused on long-term goals as key factors in their outperformance.With women currently controlling 32% of global wealth—a figure projected to rise dramatically as wealth transfers from older generations occur—the conversation around women and investing has never been more relevant. Smith shares personal insights from her journey from marketing to sales in financial services, highlighting how her father's simple advice to maximize her 401(k) contributions shaped her financial future: "You'll never see the money, therefore you don't need it."The democratization of alternative investments emerges as another crucial theme, as assets once reserved for institutional investors become increasingly available to individual investors. Smith offers thoughtful guidance on how millennials and Gen X investors should approach alternatives differently than boomers, emphasizing that time horizon is everything when considering less liquid investments. Her perspective on crowdfunding platforms, values-based investing, and the risks of including alternatives in 401(k) plans provides a balanced view for investors of all experience levels.Whether you're just starting your investment journey or looking to refine your strategy, Smith's practical advice—start early, maximize employer matches, and develop a thirst for financial knowledge—offers a roadmap for success. Tune in to discover how you can build a portfolio that aligns with both your financial goals and personal values.As mentioned on the podcast, here is the link to a charity Megan Smith supports:https://impactmelanoma.org Straight Talk for All - Nonsense for NonePlease check out our other podcasts:https://skepticsguidetoinvesting.buzzsprout.comDisclaimer - These podcasts are not intended as investment advice. Individuals please consult your own investment, tax and legal advisors. They provide these insights for educational purposes only.