SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. —Approximately 180 women attended the Investing in You women’s conference held at Credit Unoin Place here and sponsored by Prince Edward Island’s credit unions.
Shannon Kennedy, marketing engagement co-ordinator with P.E.I. Credit Unions, told the Journal Pioneer it was the first time the conference had been held.
"This is really a financial literacy event for women put on by women to talk about all things — health, wellness as well as financial wellness —and how those items are connected," she told the publication.
Kennedy said the conference was intended to address the inequality between men and women when it comes to financial know-how.
"Oftentimes, women are less financially literate than their male counterparts," Kennedy told the Journal Pioneer.
"So, we are really working to close that gender gap and help support women through all of life's stages, whether they're just getting started, they're looking at education or whether they have kids and they want to start planning for their future or their retirement."
Sandra Hickey, a financial services officer with Consolidated Credit Union in Summerside, was one of the panellists.
Hickey told the Journal Pioneer the more knowledgeable women are about money matters, the more comfortable they will be, and make better financial decisions for themselves.
Hickey said it can be intimidating for women to seek financial advice when they need help, such as when their husband dies and leaves them to manage financial matters, the publication reported.
In addition to questions around retirement accounts, other issues Hickey sees is people not having a will or power of attorney over financial matters. Having a plan in place for these issues is important so cruicial financial decisions can be made during a stressful time, she added.