Rich Woman, Poor Woman: From overwhelm to in control – how to plan for your financial security

by Pascale Helyar-Moray

Record levels of women are retiring in poverty – the current figure is 1 in 6 in Australia. Should we be surprised when women earn less than men, shoulder the load when it comes to unpaid work at home, and take more and longer breaks from paid work to have children?
The difference between a rich woman and a poor woman is very often financial literacy. Australia has a superannuation system, the envy of many other countries in world, and most of us don't understand it. Super school doesn't exist. Financial literacy as a wider topic has been taught in high schools since 2015 but, somehow, the crucial subject of superannuation is left out of the mix. Rich Woman, Poor Woman addresses this knowledge gap.
Well-researched, practical and written in an easy-to-read style, Rich Woman, Poor Woman
• What exactly is super, and how it can work harder for you
• How to adopt super money habits and make a plan to achieve financial independence
• Set and forget strategies to grow your super faster
• Hacks for all women in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s.

192 pages, Paperback

Published October 29, 2024

Reviews

[Kenz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel if you have never read anything about Superannuation or were unfamiliar with the facts about the gender wealth gap in Australia this would be an interesting read. It contains some good basic information.

However, I felt like it contained very basic advice with chapters and chapters of filler content. Also, a book about Super that contains no information on insurance inside of super is unappealing to me. Especially when it gives the advice to change Super funds without mentioning the negative impact this can have on your insurance status.

Some other things I didn’t enjoy were the awkward name drops, self advertising for her super adjacent product and the out of date “girl power” language.

⭐️⭐️

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

For years, I thought I was doing okay with my super. I’d been contributing steadily (before kids, between kids), and my balance looked decent, but I had no idea if it was enough. Rich Woman, Poor Woman gave me the wake-up call I needed. At first, it was a shock to realise I wasn’t on track for the retirement I wanted, but instead of leaving me overwhelmed, this book gave me a plan. A few simple changes, and now I know I’ll get there. I feel in control of my finances again, and that peace of mind is priceless.

As someone recently divorced, taking full responsibility for my financial future was daunting. I had given up control for so many years, and getting it back felt empowering but also terrifying. The good thing though, is that my super was always mine, and this book showed me how to make the most of it. The author explains superannuation in a way that’s clear, engaging, and totally free of the usual financial jargon. She makes you think—really think—about the kind of life you want in retirement and how to make it happen.

Beyond the book itself, the tools on the author's website (pascalehm.com.au) are a goldmine. The retirement calculators, ATO comparison tools, and budget guides make planning so much easier. I’ve spent hours searching for this kind of info before, but here it’s all in one place—so handy.

If you want to feel confident about your future (and avoid a nasty surprise later), Rich Woman, Poor Woman is a must-read. Take charge, ladies, and have the retirement of your dreams!

[Natalie Goggleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich Woman, Poor Woman by Pascale Helyar-Moray OAM offers a powerful and inspiring exploration of financial empowerment from a female perspective. Drawing from her own experiences and extensive knowledge of the financial world, Helyar-Moray delivers practical advice on how women can take control of their finances, regardless of their starting point. The book is structured to guide readers through the process of understanding their relationship with money, investing wisely, and taking strategic steps to build wealth. With a tone that's both approachable and informative, Helyar-Moray provides a compelling call to action for women to break free from financial limitations and adopt a mindset of independence and abundance.

What sets Rich Woman, Poor Woman apart is its unique focus on the psychological barriers many women face when it comes to money, from fear to a lack of confidence. Helyar-Moray doesn't just offer financial tips; she explores the importance of mindset and personal growth in achieving financial success. This comprehensive approach ensures that readers not only learn about financial strategies but also gain the confidence needed to implement them. While some may find the advice somewhat basic if they are already financially savvy, the book is an excellent resource for those starting on their financial journey or looking to strengthen their understanding of wealth-building principles.

[Kate Boddington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich Women Poor Woman is a game-changer - one I plan to re-read once a year. This book offers a refreshing perspective on financial independence, personal empowerment, and the often-overlooked barriers women face when it comes to managing wealth. With its practical insights and actionable advice, it’s a must-read for any woman who wants to take control of her financial future.

What sets this book apart is Pascale’s ability to break down complex financial concepts into easily digestible, relatable content. She weaves real-life examples and personal stories into the narrative, which makes the advice feel less like a lecture and more like a conversation with a trusted friend. Pascale’s writing style is engaging, warm, and encouraging— it certainly empowered me to take steps towards improving my financial future without feeling overwhelmed. Like a paperback coach/cheerleader for my Super!

[Emily Leiding · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has really opened my eyes to personal finance and helped me take charge of my financial future. As someone who usually avoids thinking about savings and future-proofing my finances, this easy-to-read book made me feel much less overwhelmed.

One tip that I had never considered was the potential to use Superannuation for property investment, and she provided practical advice on how to navigate this complex area, and some of the benefits and risks. Truly eye opening.

The book covered effortless savings, Superannuation options, Budgeting and planning, investment strategic and shared great links to financial tools. She breaks down complex concepts into easy steps, showing how to maximize contributions and get tax benefits. I feel way more confident about securing a comfortable future.

[Anna Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a woman looking to gain confidence in managing your money and securing your financial future, Rich Woman, Poor Woman is a must-read. It’s packed with practical advice, relatable insights, and empowering messages that will help you take charge of your financial well-being. Whether you're starting from scratch or refining your financial strategy, this book is a valuable tool for building lasting wealth and security. Helyar-Moray’s writing style is warm, engaging, and encouraging, making what can be a dry topic feel motivating and empowering. She understands that many women feel disconnected from financial planning and provides a refreshing, non-judgmental approach that makes financial literacy feel achievable and even exciting.
Essential reading for any woman who wants to be financially independent and in control.

[Maddy Holley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction and guide to planning your superannuation in Australia. I found it really helpful, particularly the suggestion of having my employer put extra of my $ into super and seeing if they can match any additional %. I’m also going to look into a financial advisor for myself and my partner to meet with annually (or as recommended). I also found the statistics included throughout the book really interesting.

[Rose Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. I have never felt so empowered by a book to take control of my finances as a mid 40s working mother. Understanding all the financial challenges faced by women in Australia was enlightening and how to overcome those are the invaluable advice to me. My husband read it and he didn’t know some of the strategies to contribute to my super, we are now planning how together we can contribute more to my super!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich Woman Poor Woman by Pascale Helyar-Moray is an absolute game-changer—every Australian woman needs this book. Even partway through, I was blown away & gobsmacked by the revealing stats. The practical exercises that make superannuation strategies clear and achievable make Pascale’s invaluable guidance empowering, insightful, and impossible to put down. I’m serious about securing my financial future & if so are you, this book is a must-have!

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich Woman, Poor Woman is a book that should be provided to all girls when they get their first job and tax file number. It is written in a way that guides you through what can sometimes be an overwhelming world of superannuation in a way that makes you feel empowered and confident.

The book is full of tips and tricks to maximise superannuation and more importantly the reasons WHY we should be leaning into this at a young age. My only regret is that I didn't read this sooner.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Australian focused minimal content relatable to international. Aside from the statistics about female finances applicable to males as well as the females the book is aimed towards. Otherwise an important topic that the author wrote in a bit of a dry way, with minimal practical or innovative tips or information. Unfortunately she doesn't mention keeping an old super for the insurance which given the population this is aimed at was concerning.

[Diana · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love reading the latest Australian personal finance books and usually find helpful tips that I can quickly apply, but this book either had information I already knew about Super or investment tips that were beyond my capabilities to apply as below average income earner. But who knows, I might need it one day and will read it when I'm ready.

[Angus Kidman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read filled with practical advice - all of which was relevant to me as a single male who has been a freelancer at multiple points in my career! Superannuation really is the key to your financial future as an Australian, and Pascale explains how to maximise it in a way that's easy to follow and inspiring.

[Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant book - There is a reason Pascale is so passionate about financial security!

This book lays out exactly why taking back control of your finances is not just about your finances but your health, life and everything in between.

A must read for those looking to change their views on money, super and the future it can give you.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Rich Woman, Poor Woman and it was a terrific gift for my daughter who underestimated the value of superannuation contributions. This book will provide the incentive for reflection and future financial planning.

[Heidi Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book! Every woman and man should read this to obtain useful, actionable nuggets for any stage of life. Go on, you won’t regret it!

[Mary Lieu · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great primer on superannuation and planning for retirement. I hadn’t given super much thought (or my strategy) and Pascale’s book was the education I needed to take charge of my financial planning. She has an engaging voice and provides plenty of statistics, resources, practical exercises and factsheets to help anyone get started. Reading this book prompted me to have conversations about super with my friends and I feel more confident about super planning now.