Cash savings accounts are steady and safe. The amount of interest varies between account providers, but it is clear how much the returns will be. They are popular when putting money aside for emergencies, or for holidays, a wedding or a car.
By contrast, the value of investments in stocks and shares can go up and down, but with risk can come reward. Long-term investments can be lucrative, not only for individuals, but for the economy as a whole.
Laura Suter, director of personal finance at investment platform AJ Bell, says Reeves and the finance sector should start by making investing more attractive to women.
Having written reports on the Isa gender gap, she argues that, for too long, advertising about investing has been designed by men.
Lisa Caplan, director at investment company Charles Stanley, agrees. “It’s not about making your website pink. It’s about using less jargon, competitive language, and masculine imagery,” she says.
“When clients who are women feel seen and understood, they will be more willing to trust their money to an adviser or even an investment platform. I think this is beginning to change.”