Inheriting Wealth: What Women Really Want from Advice

As Australia enters a new era of wealth transfer, women are increasingly becoming custodians of significant family assets. This shift is not just financial, it’s deeply personal, and it’s changing the way advice needs to be delivered. 

The Changing Face of Wealth Management 

Over the next decade, Australian women will inherit a substantial share of family wealth, including property, superannuation, and businesses. But here’s what many advice firms are missing: these women are not looking for someone to make decisions for them. They are educated, capable, and asking very different questions than previous generations. 

They want: 

• Education, not jargon. 

• Transparency, not fine print. 

• Impact and values, not just returns. 

For many, wealth represents more than numbers on a balance sheet – it’s a legacy, a future for their children, and a source of security. Traditional, transactional advice models often fail to address this emotional and generational dimension. 

Why the Old Model Doesn’t Work 

Walk into most financial advice firms today, and you’ll still find a product-focused approach drowning in technical language. This alienates rather than empowers. Women inheriting wealth want clarity and confidence, not complexity. 

With trends like grey divorce rising, one in four divorces now occurs after age 50, and more women inheriting family businesses, the traditional financial dynamic is shifting rapidly. 

Starting With the Story 

Perks Private Wealth director Peta Nunn shared her view on this matter that advice should start with the client’s story, not a spreadsheet.  

“What do you value? What legacy do you want to create? What keeps you up at night? Once we understand that, the technical solutions follow naturally,” Peta said. 

What Every Woman Should Ask Her Financial Adviser

When choosing a financial adviser, start by understanding who will be responsible for your advice and who you’ll be speaking to day-to-day. Peta recommended women to ask for full transparency on costs, every fee, commission, and payment, so there are no surprises. Make sure you know what the first 90 days will look like, with a clear plan of decisions, documents, and timelines.  

“You should confirm how your adviser will work with your lawyer and accountant to keep everything aligned as well as understand their investment approach and how they balance what you can afford to lose with what you’re comfortable losing,” she said. 

It’s also important to check how they use technology and, importantly, how they protect your data with human oversight and strong privacy controls.  

“The right questions lead to the right advice. It’s about empowering clients to feel confident and in control from day one,” Peta said. 

At Perks Private Wealth, we believe advice should feel personal, not transactional. Every conversation starts with understanding your values, your goals, and what matters most to you and your family. From there, we work alongside you to make complex decisions simple and ensure every step reflects your priorities. It’s not just about managing wealth; it’s about building confidence and clarity for the future you want.