Women across India are reporting higher financial stress than men, as they take on a larger share of household responsibilities. Their uncertainty level stands at 80%, compared to 78% for men, driven by rising costs, elder care needs, and concerns over long-term financial security.
What is adding to this pressure? For many, it is the growing responsibility of managing family finances while planning for ageing parents and their own future, raising a key question: can current incomes keep up with both present and long-term needs?
Based on responses from 3,583 people and 21 interviews, the survey shows a gap between financial awareness and actual preparedness in Indian households. While more women are involved in financial planning, many still do not have enough protection for long-term security. However, managing family finances and concerns over income sufficiency remain among their top controllable worries, especially in urban and financially active groups.
This pressure is also reflected in regional trends. In Eastern India, the rising cost of elderly care has become the top concern for women, showing the growing burden of supporting ageing parents. In Northern India, women report higher concern than men about not being financially independent in old age, pointing to a stronger focus on retirement planning and income security.
Data collected by the अ-Nishchit Index 2.0 by Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance shows that women are moving beyond day-to-day expense management and taking a more active role in long-term financial decisions, including planning for healthcare, retirement, and family income needs. The index also places the national uncertainty score at 79, driven by concerns such as rising living costs, healthcare expenses, and income stability.
Across income groups and life stages, women are becoming central to household financial decisions, balancing immediate needs with future responsibilities as costs continue to rise. This reflects a growing sandwich generation trend, where women are planning for both ageing parents and their own long-term security.
While awareness around financial planning is improving, preparedness still lags, leaving many households exposed to long-term risks. As a result, financial planning is gradually shifting from short-term budgeting to ensuring stability across generations, with women at the centre of this transition.
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