Many elderly couples are now facing financial decisions about their future which they did not anticipate. For example, the sale of their home to provide for nursing home care which means their main asset will not be passed on to their children. Provision can be made by insuring against the cost of long-term care though it is currently expensive. Women, if they are working, should ensure they are contributing to a pension so that they have an independent source of income at retirement . Then, if it is their husband who needs care and any income producing capital is used, they are not impoverished.
Some women feel strongly about how and where their money is invested.
Yes, in a limited way at least. Some ethical investment funds exist. Also, although they've been around for some 10 years, it is only really in the last 3-5 years that the market has really gathered momentum. There is now a wide range of funds, some of which avoid investment in controversial areas, e.g. military weapon makers, tobacco manufacturers, etc., while others look for positive factors such as a company's regard for the environment or their employment practices. See our guid to ethical investment .