A great transfer of wealth is underway . According to the Boston College Center on Wealth and Philanthropy , Americans are inheriting approximately $ 36 trillion , starting back in 2007 and continuing through 2061 . Women are likely to be the major benefactors of that wealth transfer from one generation to the next .

For people who are inheriting this money , or just looking to invest in the future , it is critical to have a plan in place to help protect , preserve and grow these funds .

Regions ’ Wealth Management advisors have long supported women investors , providing guidance , insights and financial solutions to meet their investment priorities . In our experience , women bring unique characteristics to investing that all investors can leverage to help keep their own financial goals on track .

Here are four key insights :

PLAY TO YOUR STRENGTHS . Discipline is important . Prioritize making consistent contributions to a longterm investment plan . Ask a lot of questions before investing . Once you identify an investment goal , we

generally advise you stick with it , rather than consistently pursuing whatever “ next big thing ” comes along . True , we encourage a portfolio review at least once a year with your advisor . But , broadly speaking , consistency in saving — and discipline in investing — are keys to long-term investment performance .

A BROADER PERSPECTIVE . As a female wealth management professional , I ’ ve found that women tend to look at wealth within the context of their family and the goals they have for their family . With a long-term , goal-oriented view of investing , a portfolio can be built on enduring strategies that can weather the ups and downs of short-term market contractions and corrections .

RISK-AWARE VS . RISK-AVERSE . Our experience suggests women take a longer view and use a more holistic approach to calculating risk . Whether it ’ s in business or investing , women often look at the full picture of their family situation , their personal goals , their career , etc ., to consider how taking specific risks will impact those goals . The key is to find the right balance of risk and reward to meet those needs .

TAKING CONTROL . There ’ s a myth that you must know everything about investing before getting started . That ’ s not true . Rather , it ’ s important to seek the guidance of an experienced team of advisors who ’ ve seen a range of economic cycles , and then determine how you can put their experience to work for you . So , understand you are in control . Discuss your goals at length . Be willing to have detailed conversations — with your family , your partner or spouse and with your advisor . Think through short-term and longterm strategies . And know you ’ re in the driver ’ s seat , but there is always support and guidance along the way .

Whether you are part of the great transfer of wealth happening now , or you ’ re looking to take your first steps toward planning for the future , our team is ready to help guide you through the process as you build the legacy you envision .

To learn more , visit regions . com / embracelife , or stop by any Regions branch in the River Region .

Anne Ferrell Dalton is a Wealth Advisor with Regions Private Wealth Management .

Trust and investment management services are offered through Regions Wealth Management , a business unit of Regions Bank . Investment advisory services are offered through Regions Investment Management , Inc . “ RIM ”. In some cases , RIM ’ s investment management services and / or strategies will be utilized by Regions Wealth Management for its trust and investment management clients . RIM is a Registered Investment Adviser and wholly owned subsidiary of Regions Bank , which in turn , is a wholly owned subsidiary of Regions Financial Corporation .