In a world where financial literacy is often gatekept and investing feels like an exclusive club, Maike Currie is on a mission to change the narrative – especially for women. In her powerful conversation with Kalina Tomova on the WomenWise Podcast, Maike unpacks the myths, barriers, and biases that have kept women from fully engaging with their financial futures, and offers a roadmap to reclaiming control through investing. 

The Gender Pension Gap: A Hidden Inequality 

Maike shines a light on the gender pension gap – a lesser – known but deeply impactful issue. By midlife, women in the UK have, on average, 48% less in their pension pots than men. This isn’t just about lower pay; it’s about career breaks, part – time work, and caregiving responsibilities that disproportionately fall on women. 

“We take career breaks not because we’re sunning ourselves on a tropical island,” Maike says, “but because we’re doing the right thing by our families. And the ultimate impact is on our long – term savings.” 

Investing Isn’t Just for the Wealthy 

Maike debunks the myth that investing is reserved for the rich or the financially elite. You can start with as little as £25 a month, and platforms like AJ Bell, Vanguard, and InvestEngine make it easier than ever. The key is starting early – because time is the most powerful ingredient in growing wealth. 

She encourages women to think of investing like shopping: browse platforms, choose tax – efficient wrappers like ISAs, and start with global ETFs or professionally managed funds if individual stocks feel intimidating. 

Mindset Matters: Rewriting the Money Story 

A major theme in Maike’s message is mindset. Many women operate from a scarcity mindset, shaped by societal messages that tell them to save, not grow. Maike challenges this narrative, urging women to believe they can build wealth and take control of their financial destiny. 

Her new initiative, Empowered Investor, is a six – week course designed to guide women from understanding their money mindset to setting up their first investment portfolio. The goal? To create a community of women who talk about money, share investment ideas, and build wealth together. 

A Call to Action 

Maike’s message is clear: investing isn’t just a financial tool – it’s a form of empowerment. Women can’t afford to wait. Whether you’re in your 20s or your 50s, the time to start is now. And you don’t have to do it alone. 

“The only way to change your financial destiny is to come to the world of investing – and let’s not just leave it to the men.”