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It's a Rich Man's World: Why Money is Broken and How We Fix It, from the founders of Female Invest
Not yet published
Expected 5 Jan 27MONEY WASN'T DESIGNED FOR WOMEN. THIS BOOK IS.
We live in a rich man's world.
· Globally men own $105 trillion more wealth than women, which is more than four times the size of the US economy
· The average woman will retire with 70% of the retirement income of the average man
· The unpaid work that women do worldwide is worth at least $10.8 trillion annually - three times the size of the tech industry
· 0 out of 195 countries in the world have achieved financial gender equality
At the current rate of progress, it is going to take 169 years to close the gender finance gap. The good news? You have the power to change this.
The trio of founders behind the global movement Female Invest are on a mission to help women take control of their finances. In this book, they go beyond conventional advice, walking you through the specific obstacles women face in gaining and keeping wealth and sharing the concrete tools you need to make smarter and more successful financial decisions.
Because the reality is you don't build wealth by getting top marks or a high-paying job. You build wealth by understanding how money works, and how it works for you.
We live in a rich man's world.
· Globally men own $105 trillion more wealth than women, which is more than four times the size of the US economy
· The average woman will retire with 70% of the retirement income of the average man
· The unpaid work that women do worldwide is worth at least $10.8 trillion annually - three times the size of the tech industry
· 0 out of 195 countries in the world have achieved financial gender equality
At the current rate of progress, it is going to take 169 years to close the gender finance gap. The good news? You have the power to change this.
The trio of founders behind the global movement Female Invest are on a mission to help women take control of their finances. In this book, they go beyond conventional advice, walking you through the specific obstacles women face in gaining and keeping wealth and sharing the concrete tools you need to make smarter and more successful financial decisions.
Because the reality is you don't build wealth by getting top marks or a high-paying job. You build wealth by understanding how money works, and how it works for you.
240 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication January 5, 2027
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 29, 2026
Een must-read voor allen! Dit boek legt uit hoe ons financiële systeem is gebouwd voor mannen en vrouwen structureel benadeelt. Het biedt de kennis om bewuste keuzes te maken over je financiële zekerheid (= je vrijheid). Toegespitst op gebeurtenissen als de keuze voor wel of geen partner, het moederschap en de menopauze.
“It [financial inequality] means fewer choices: relationships we can’t afford to leave, careers we can’t risk and futures that feel prewritten. Meanwhile, the people who hold the money are the ones making the decisions about our economies, our healthcare, our climate and even our bodies.”
“It [financial inequality] means fewer choices: relationships we can’t afford to leave, careers we can’t risk and futures that feel prewritten. Meanwhile, the people who hold the money are the ones making the decisions about our economies, our healthcare, our climate and even our bodies.”
July 25, 2026
Wow this made me ANGRY and RESTLESS! Everyone should read this book. Accessible and brilliant.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
It's a Rich Man's World: Why Money Is Broken for Women and How We Fix It by Camilla Falkenberg, Emma Due Bitz, and Anna-Sophie Hartvigsen is much more than a personal finance guide. Written by the founders of Female Invest, the book examines why women often face greater financial challenges than men, not because they make poorer financial decisions, but because they operate within systems that were largely designed without their realities in mind. Drawing on research, economic data, and deeply personal stories, the authors argue that financial inequality is not simply an individual problem—it is a structural one. At the same time, they offer practical ways for women to build wealth despite these barriers. The book is organized around eight major life events that shape a woman's financial future, showing that life choices often have a far greater impact on wealth than investment strategies alone.
The authors begin by challenging one of the most common myths about money—that financial success depends entirely on hard work, discipline, and smart investing. While these qualities certainly matter, they explain that they do not tell the whole story. Men and women often begin their financial journeys under very different circumstances. Social expectations, workplace discrimination, caregiving responsibilities, healthcare needs, and public policies all influence how wealth is earned, saved, and accumulated. Ignoring these realities, they argue, leads to advice that works well for some people but fails many women.
One of the book's central messages is that financial education should start with understanding the system before trying to master it. Rather than blaming women for investing too little or saving too slowly, the authors encourage readers to ask why these patterns exist. They explain that women are frequently encouraged to be careful with money but are less often encouraged to build wealth. Society teaches many women to avoid financial risk while expecting men to pursue financial opportunities. Over time, these cultural messages create significant differences in confidence, investment behaviour, and long-term financial outcomes.
The book then explores the eight major life stages and events that most strongly influence women's finances. Although every woman's experience is unique, the authors show that many follow similar patterns. Education, entering the workforce, salary negotiations, career development, relationships, motherhood, caregiving responsibilities, divorce, menopause, retirement, and longer life expectancy all create financial consequences that are often overlooked until much later. Instead of viewing these events as isolated experiences, the book presents them as connected stages that shape a lifetime of financial security.
One particularly insightful discussion focuses on career development. The authors explain that women often hesitate to negotiate salaries, ask for promotions, or pursue higher-paying opportunities—not because they lack ambition, but because they have been socialized differently or fear negative reactions. Since salary increases compound over decades, even small differences early in a career can result in significantly lower lifetime earnings. The book encourages readers to prepare thoroughly for negotiations, understand their market value, and view earning more not as selfishness but as an important step toward long-term independence.
Motherhood receives special attention because it represents one of the largest financial turning points in many women's lives. Pregnancy, childcare responsibilities, career breaks, and reduced working hours frequently lead to lower income and slower wealth accumulation. The authors do not criticize women for choosing motherhood; instead, they argue that societies often fail to recognize or compensate the enormous economic value of unpaid caregiving. They encourage families to discuss finances openly, divide responsibilities fairly, and consider the long-term financial effects of every major family decision before it is made.
Relationships also play a significant role in financial wellbeing. Whether entering a marriage, living with a partner, or sharing household expenses, financial conversations are often avoided because they feel uncomfortable. The authors stress that openness about money is essential for healthy relationships. Partners should understand each other's assets, debts, savings, investments, and long-term goals. Love and trust are important, they argue, but financial transparency is equally necessary because unexpected events such as separation, illness, or death can dramatically alter someone's financial future.
The book also examines divorce and relationship breakdowns, subjects that many financial books barely discuss. While emotionally painful, these situations often have lasting financial consequences, especially for women who may have sacrificed career advancement to care for children or support a partner's ambitions. The authors advise maintaining financial independence throughout a relationship by understanding household finances, preserving personal savings where appropriate, and continuing to develop professional skills even during periods devoted to caregiving.
Another important theme is investing. Unlike many investing guides that focus primarily on technical concepts, It's a Rich Man's World first addresses the emotional barriers preventing many women from entering financial markets. Fear of making mistakes, believing investing is only for experts, or assuming small amounts are not worth investing often discourage participation. The authors explain that investing is not gambling but a long-term process of allowing money to grow steadily over time. By beginning early, investing consistently, and remaining patient, individuals can benefit from compound growth regardless of their starting income.
The discussion extends beyond individual behaviour to broader social inequality. Using international research and statistics, the authors demonstrate that women worldwide generally own less wealth, receive lower retirement incomes, perform a disproportionate share of unpaid labour, and live longer than men, requiring greater retirement savings. These patterns are not presented to discourage readers but to illustrate why financial education designed specifically for women's experiences is urgently needed.
What makes the book especially engaging is its balance between evidence and personal storytelling. The three authors openly share moments from their own lives, including financial mistakes, career uncertainties, entrepreneurial challenges, and lessons learned while building Female Invest. These stories transform abstract economic concepts into relatable experiences, helping readers recognize similar patterns in their own lives. Rather than presenting themselves as flawless financial experts, the authors write with honesty and vulnerability, making the advice feel practical rather than intimidating.
Throughout the book, the tone remains hopeful. Although the authors acknowledge that systemic inequality still exists, they repeatedly emphasize that understanding these structures gives individuals greater power to navigate them successfully. Financial independence is presented not merely as accumulating wealth but as gaining freedom, confidence, and the ability to make life choices without constant financial fear. Education becomes the foundation upon which lasting financial security is built.
Ultimately, It's a Rich Man's World argues that money should not be viewed simply as mathematics or investment strategy. It is deeply connected to culture, family, work, relationships, and public policy. By helping readers understand how these forces shape financial outcomes, the book empowers women to make informed decisions, avoid common financial traps, and build lasting wealth on their own terms. Its blend of rigorous research, practical guidance, and compassionate storytelling makes it an insightful and highly relevant guide for anyone seeking to understand the intersection of gender and personal finance.
The authors begin by challenging one of the most common myths about money—that financial success depends entirely on hard work, discipline, and smart investing. While these qualities certainly matter, they explain that they do not tell the whole story. Men and women often begin their financial journeys under very different circumstances. Social expectations, workplace discrimination, caregiving responsibilities, healthcare needs, and public policies all influence how wealth is earned, saved, and accumulated. Ignoring these realities, they argue, leads to advice that works well for some people but fails many women.
One of the book's central messages is that financial education should start with understanding the system before trying to master it. Rather than blaming women for investing too little or saving too slowly, the authors encourage readers to ask why these patterns exist. They explain that women are frequently encouraged to be careful with money but are less often encouraged to build wealth. Society teaches many women to avoid financial risk while expecting men to pursue financial opportunities. Over time, these cultural messages create significant differences in confidence, investment behaviour, and long-term financial outcomes.
The book then explores the eight major life stages and events that most strongly influence women's finances. Although every woman's experience is unique, the authors show that many follow similar patterns. Education, entering the workforce, salary negotiations, career development, relationships, motherhood, caregiving responsibilities, divorce, menopause, retirement, and longer life expectancy all create financial consequences that are often overlooked until much later. Instead of viewing these events as isolated experiences, the book presents them as connected stages that shape a lifetime of financial security.
One particularly insightful discussion focuses on career development. The authors explain that women often hesitate to negotiate salaries, ask for promotions, or pursue higher-paying opportunities—not because they lack ambition, but because they have been socialized differently or fear negative reactions. Since salary increases compound over decades, even small differences early in a career can result in significantly lower lifetime earnings. The book encourages readers to prepare thoroughly for negotiations, understand their market value, and view earning more not as selfishness but as an important step toward long-term independence.
Motherhood receives special attention because it represents one of the largest financial turning points in many women's lives. Pregnancy, childcare responsibilities, career breaks, and reduced working hours frequently lead to lower income and slower wealth accumulation. The authors do not criticize women for choosing motherhood; instead, they argue that societies often fail to recognize or compensate the enormous economic value of unpaid caregiving. They encourage families to discuss finances openly, divide responsibilities fairly, and consider the long-term financial effects of every major family decision before it is made.
Relationships also play a significant role in financial wellbeing. Whether entering a marriage, living with a partner, or sharing household expenses, financial conversations are often avoided because they feel uncomfortable. The authors stress that openness about money is essential for healthy relationships. Partners should understand each other's assets, debts, savings, investments, and long-term goals. Love and trust are important, they argue, but financial transparency is equally necessary because unexpected events such as separation, illness, or death can dramatically alter someone's financial future.
The book also examines divorce and relationship breakdowns, subjects that many financial books barely discuss. While emotionally painful, these situations often have lasting financial consequences, especially for women who may have sacrificed career advancement to care for children or support a partner's ambitions. The authors advise maintaining financial independence throughout a relationship by understanding household finances, preserving personal savings where appropriate, and continuing to develop professional skills even during periods devoted to caregiving.
Another important theme is investing. Unlike many investing guides that focus primarily on technical concepts, It's a Rich Man's World first addresses the emotional barriers preventing many women from entering financial markets. Fear of making mistakes, believing investing is only for experts, or assuming small amounts are not worth investing often discourage participation. The authors explain that investing is not gambling but a long-term process of allowing money to grow steadily over time. By beginning early, investing consistently, and remaining patient, individuals can benefit from compound growth regardless of their starting income.
The discussion extends beyond individual behaviour to broader social inequality. Using international research and statistics, the authors demonstrate that women worldwide generally own less wealth, receive lower retirement incomes, perform a disproportionate share of unpaid labour, and live longer than men, requiring greater retirement savings. These patterns are not presented to discourage readers but to illustrate why financial education designed specifically for women's experiences is urgently needed.
What makes the book especially engaging is its balance between evidence and personal storytelling. The three authors openly share moments from their own lives, including financial mistakes, career uncertainties, entrepreneurial challenges, and lessons learned while building Female Invest. These stories transform abstract economic concepts into relatable experiences, helping readers recognize similar patterns in their own lives. Rather than presenting themselves as flawless financial experts, the authors write with honesty and vulnerability, making the advice feel practical rather than intimidating.
Throughout the book, the tone remains hopeful. Although the authors acknowledge that systemic inequality still exists, they repeatedly emphasize that understanding these structures gives individuals greater power to navigate them successfully. Financial independence is presented not merely as accumulating wealth but as gaining freedom, confidence, and the ability to make life choices without constant financial fear. Education becomes the foundation upon which lasting financial security is built.
Ultimately, It's a Rich Man's World argues that money should not be viewed simply as mathematics or investment strategy. It is deeply connected to culture, family, work, relationships, and public policy. By helping readers understand how these forces shape financial outcomes, the book empowers women to make informed decisions, avoid common financial traps, and build lasting wealth on their own terms. Its blend of rigorous research, practical guidance, and compassionate storytelling makes it an insightful and highly relevant guide for anyone seeking to understand the intersection of gender and personal finance.
July 10, 2026
4.5 🌟
Every woman, man and otherwise should read this book. It gives a comprehensive and beginner friendly perspective on how women are impacted by financial structures in their day to day lives, how to be more aware of them and what to do about them. I think it’s really important more people read books like this so they can start challenging the structures around us.
Usually books that speak about these topics can feel a little bit heteronormative or assume relationship statuses within their readers, but this one mentioned single women (including South Korea’s 4b movement) and same sex relationships and how that impacts financial dynamics and situations in comparison to straight couples.
Unfortunately, there is still a large gap in financial education between men and women, so I’m really glad books like this exist to start challenging and dismantling that norm.
Every woman, man and otherwise should read this book. It gives a comprehensive and beginner friendly perspective on how women are impacted by financial structures in their day to day lives, how to be more aware of them and what to do about them. I think it’s really important more people read books like this so they can start challenging the structures around us.
Usually books that speak about these topics can feel a little bit heteronormative or assume relationship statuses within their readers, but this one mentioned single women (including South Korea’s 4b movement) and same sex relationships and how that impacts financial dynamics and situations in comparison to straight couples.
Unfortunately, there is still a large gap in financial education between men and women, so I’m really glad books like this exist to start challenging and dismantling that norm.
July 16, 2026
This book is a rallying call. A tour de force. An eye opener. I saw my life story represented in every single chapter. From the £60/wk I spent on therapy for 3 years after reporting sexual violence to the police, to the £100s spent to try and manage perimenopause symptoms; from finding out I was being paid less than a male colleague doing the same job as me, to preparing for the costs of IVF. If you want to learn why money os broken for women and more inportantly how to fix it, then there’s no better place to start than reading this book.
July 23, 2026
Great read! If you’re already familiar with the topic, I wouldn’t say it’s groundbreaking, but it does a great job of connecting the dots and showing how the financial system was designed by men, for men - and how women, society, and ultimately men themselves all pay the price.
July 13, 2026
A real eye opener!
July 18, 2026
Great read and reminder why money (in particular for woman) is a sign of freedom to choose their direction in life. Can recommend!
July 21, 2026
Annoyingly it felt like quite a lot of this book was written by AI? “But here’s the thing” and “it’s not X, it’s Y” must have been used a million times over.
July 22, 2026
Must read!
July 27, 2026
Such a powerful book!
August 9, 2026
First time I recommended a book on Instagram.
A must read if you are a woman, and a good recommendation if you are a man who cares.
A must read if you are a woman, and a good recommendation if you are a man who cares.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews