Ringing the Bell and Why Financial Confidence Matters More Than Ever for Women
I had the incredible honor of ringing the opening bell at Cboe Global Markets in celebration of International Women’s Day. The tradition of the opening bell signals the start of the trading day for financial markets, and Cboe facilitates nearly 20 million options contracts trades every day[1], making it one of the most active derivatives marketplaces in the world.
Standing on the podium at that moment, it was apparent this was symbolic of something much bigger. This was about the growing role women play in shaping the future of wealth and our financial influence.
Melissa Dailey-Newman ringing the Cboe Opening Bell on 3.6.2026.
Women are gaining financial power faster than ever before.
The numbers tell a remarkable story. Currently, one-third of U.S. household wealth is controlled by women, and that percentage is expected to grow significantly. By 2030, women are projected to control nearly $34 trillion in financial assets due to what economists are calling “The Great Wealth Transfer”.[2]
But there’s still a gap between financial control and financial confidence.
Many women tell me they wish they felt more comfortable navigating life transitions, such as career changes, divorce, inheritance, and retirement planning.
It’s important to remember, financial confidence doesn’t necessarily come from knowing everything. Financial confidence can come from having a plan and feeling empowered to participate in the decisions that shape your future.
Three Ways to Build Financial Confidence
Whether you’re early in your career, managing a growing household, or thinking about legacy and impact, here are three ways to you can start building financial confidence today.
1. Start with Clarity
The first step I go through with all my private wealth clients is to update their current balance sheet of assets and liabilities. Financial confidence can begin with knowing where you stand. In short, that means understanding these three things:
** What you owe
** What you own
** What your money is working towards
When you take inventory of your financial life, money becomes less overwhelming, and the path forward can become clearer and more manageable.
2. Connect Money to Your Values
For many women, wealth is about more than the accumulation of money, it’s about purpose and impact.
Money can support the life you want to live, the causes you care about, and the legacy you want to create for your family and community.
When you’re able to turn intention into action, you’re empowered to make bold financial decisions that can align your wealth, values, and leadership. That can bring financial confidence.
3. Build a Life Plan, Not Just an Investment Portfolio
Investments are important, but true financial confidence comes from a broader strategy.
A strong financial life plan can bring together:
** Spending priorities and cash flow
** Saving goals and investing strategies
** Risk protection for you and your family
** Tax implications and strategic planning
** Legacy and charitable giving
When these financial planning pieces work together, your money can become a tool supporting the life you design.
Ringing the Bell for the Future
Ringing the opening bell at Cboe was a powerful reminder that women are increasingly shaping the future of finance and personal wealth.
I believe the real opportunity isn’t about accumulating assets. It’s about helping more women feel confident, informed, and intentional with their financial decisions.
Financial confidence isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about asking the right questions and building a plan that supports the life you want to live.
Let’s Start the Conversation
Whether you’re building wealth, navigating a transition, or thinking about the legacy you want to create, an introductory conversation can help clarify the next steps.
[1]Cboe Global Markets, Inc. - Cboe Global Markets Reports Trading Volume for December and Full Year 2025
[2]The $34 trillion shift: How women are reshaping wealth and legacy | Empower