I'd Write the Star Tribune a Letter, But Apparently I'm Too Stupid...

The first thing (sometimes the only thing) I read in the Star Tribune every Sunday is the Money and Business section. It's a habit I got into during the days working in outplacement, trying to find companies that were laying off or hiring, or tips for displaced executives. It became even more of a habit once I got into the investment banking industry. Now, I get up on Sunday and my husband gives me the section right away with a, "Here, I know this section makes you happy."

Last week, business writer Kara McGuire wrote an article on women not knowing anything about personal finance. It was an obvious Mother's Day tie in, and I have to assume more of an assignment than honest opinion, based on the posts she runs in her blog, of which I am a huge fan.

But the "why can't women count?" theme seems to be a new one to the Sunday Business section. This week, guest columnist Gene Walden writes an article that I guess he just assumes I, and every other women reader, was just planning on skipping over.

Women who become involved in investing have proved to be very astute. But generally speaking, women are not exactly pounding down the doors.

"In most cases, married women still want to delegate their finances to their husbands," said Paula Kozlowski, a regional vice president of Van Kampen Funds.

"Only about 15 percent of women who are married or live with a significant other feel responsible for planning for their financial future," added Peg Chromy Webb, a senior vice president with Wealth Enhancement Group in Wayzata. "The other 85 percent prefer to have someone else do it for them. It's not a priority for them as it is for men."

So perhaps I'm just part of this 15%. Does that mean that they still think that audience isn't reading the paper?

My guess is yes.

Things to do for your wife

• Find a financial adviser she likes.

• Put together a list of all of your accounts, policies, contact people, phone numbers, Web addresses, PINs and passwords.

• Involve her in the investment process, even if it takes a little arm-twisting.

And, finally, my favorite:

• Ask her to read this article -- but don't be surprised if she won't.