This is the first part of our special series on women and investing. Inspired by this month’s inaugural meeting of the Smart Money Social Club, we’ll explore new research, expert insights, and real stories about building financial independence.

If you were to rank your financial priorities, where would investing your money land?

According to a new SoFi survey, gender could very well play a role in your answer: Men put it at the very top of their list, while women rank it 11th.

Women are generally more hesitant and less confident in their market knowledge, the survey found. They tend to put their energy into more pressing needs — like cash flow and debt payments — while men focus more on the future and retirement.

"Men are much more likely to turn to the stock market," said author and commentator Kyla Scanlon, who shared the findings at SoFi's first Smart Money Social Club event in New York. "Women are much more likely to just save and be very careful and very conservative."

Although nearly as many women as men hold some kind of investment account (83% vs. 93%), far fewer manage their own money, the survey showed. Only 40% of women make self-directed investments, versus 63% of men.

Interestingly, some of the hesitation seems to stem from self-doubt rather than lack of knowledge. Women tend to score lower on financial literacy tests, but research from the Federal Reserve suggests part of that gap is about conviction. When tests include a "do not know" answer, women choose it far more often than men. Once that option is removed, the literacy gap shrinks.

So what?

When we have a full plate, it's natural to prioritize the must-dos and delay thinking about our less immediate needs.

But putting investing on the back burner carries a long-term penalty that, just like investment earnings, compounds over time. Simply put, the earlier you invest, the more heavy lifting time can do. Dollars invested today have far more growth potential than dollars added years down the road. Every year you miss is time you can't buy back later.

The goal is to make sure building financial security isn't an either-or decision. As SoFi's researchers put it, "women need a financial environment that makes investing feel like something they can seamlessly fit in with the rest of the life they are already managing — not take them away from it."

It also begins with letting go of insecurities, said SoFi Chief Market Strategist Liz Thomas.

"You don't need to have it all figured out," she said. "Nobody really does."

Please understand that this information provided is general in nature and shouldn’t be construed as a recommendation or solicitation of any products offered by SoFi’s affiliates and subsidiaries. In addition, this information is by no means meant to provide investment or financial advice, nor is it intended to serve as the basis for any investment decision or recommendation to buy or sell any asset. Keep in mind that investing involves risk, and past performance of an asset never guarantees future results or returns. It’s important for investors to consider their specific financial needs, goals, and risk profile before making an investment decision.

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