Stephanie Link Spotlight – Women’s History Month

As we wrap up Women’s History Month, we’re proud to close out our spotlight series with Stephanie Link, our Chief Investment Strategist, Head of Investment Solutions and Equity Portfolio Manager.

Stephanie leads multiple equity strategies within the Investment Solutions group and partners closely with our advisory businesses and their clients to help them navigate the economy and markets. In addition, she is a frequent contributor on CNBC.

Q: What financial challenges do you see women face most often, and how would you help them navigate?

A: I think it’s lack of education, fear of asking “dumb” questions (there are none), and just not having had the exposure and experience with investing, as many women have deferred the investments to their spouse. It is slowly changing as more women have entered the workplace and pursued higher education. And there are investment groups and classes they can take, and they are participating. But we have to do a better job educating this group – as the wealth transfer of nearly $100 trillion happens over the next 25 years.¹

Q: What do you wish more women knew about financial planning?

A: Not to be intimidated by the complexity – to keep it simple and to find an advisor you can trust. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Only invest in what you understand even if you have to ask the same questions over and over. 94% of women polled have said they want a female advisor who listens to them.²

Q: What advice would you give to women who are considering a career in the finance industry?

A: Go for it. While we have come a long way in the financial services industry, wealth management penetration from women is still quite low at around 28%.³ Read everything you can to help learn the business (AI will help, not hurt), to make you more knowledgeable and to gain the confidence. It can’t be rushed and mistakes will happen – learn from them to make you better. Find friends (not at the water cooler) in the industry and talk about best practices. Men can help too. Mentors come from many different places – find a few you can lean on.

Q: Why do you think it is important for women to have access to dedicated financial guidance?

A: Financial independence is so important. The power of freedom and knowledge is so rewarding.

Q: Why is it important to support the financial education of women?

A: We have to get the word out, bring out the best in women and help give them confidence. And learning the importance is very liberating, not scary.

Q: Is there a project or client experience centered around supporting women that you’re especially proud of? What made it meaningful?

A: I speak to women all the time (either with or without spouses), and keeping it simple has always been something I am proud about – to see their eyes light up, or watching them take notes on what I am saying, and especially when they ask me questions to try to learn and understand more. It’s a wonderful feeling to teach and educate women of all ages – it’s never too early to begin! I often preach “Dollar Cost Average” investment style. My father taught it to me when I was 22 years old. It means to invest a little money every month into an SPX Index Fund – and having the company take the money out of your bank account because you will never write the check yourself each month. You’ll never miss it. You won’t “market time” your actions, but instead average in every single time you invest. Over time, compounding will surprise you by how powerful it truly is. 

Sources:

1. Fox, M. (2026, February 26). Women’s wealth is expected to boom: Where they are investing and how they can maximize returns. CNBC.com. https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/26/womens-wealth-is-expected-to-boom-where-they-are-investing-and-how-they-can-maximize-returns.html ↩︎
2. Gilbert, L. (2024, December 4). 3 Reasons Women Are Well-Positioned To Acquire And Lead Financial Practices. Forbes.com. https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesfinancecouncil/2024/12/04/3-reasons-women-are-well-positioned-to-acquire-and-lead-financial-practices/ ↩︎
3. Hatcher, R. (2026, March 10). Women in Wealth Management – 2026. FINTRX.com. https://www.fintrx.com/blog/women-in-wealth-management-2026 ↩︎