Over the coming decades, women will steward a majority of the wealth being passed from one generation to the next. For many, that responsibility will arrive suddenly—during seasons of grief, transition, or new beginnings. Yet within that shift lies a remarkable opportunity for wise and faithful stewardship.
Sharon Epps, President of Kingdom Advisors and cofounder of Women Doing Well, joins us on today’s show to share what she has learned after spending years studying this moment and walking alongside women as they step into it.
A Quiet but Significant Shift
Today, research consistently shows that women are inheriting a large portion of generational wealth. One primary reason is longevity—women often outlive their spouses by several years, placing financial responsibility squarely on their shoulders.
In fact, nearly 95% of women will become the primary financial decision-maker at some point in their lives. Many step into that role unexpectedly, often while navigating grief, life transitions, or new responsibilities. The result is a profound shift happening quietly across generations—one with real implications for confidence, stewardship, and generosity.
When Women Doing Well surveyed more than 7,300 Christian women—the largest study of its kind—one insight stood out: only about 6% felt confident or equipped to manage the resources God had entrusted to them.
The issue wasn’t a lack of desire. It was a lack of clarity, confidence, and inclusion in financial conversations. Many women had the responsibility, but not the preparation. That gap can feel overwhelming, especially when decisions arrive suddenly.
Generosity Is Already There
One of the most encouraging discoveries from the research was this: Christian women are already remarkably generous.
They give more of their time and money than many of their peers. The desire to live generously is not something that needs to be created—it’s already present. What many women want isn’t simply to give more, but to give well. The opportunity is to help generosity grow from clarity and confidence rather than from fear or obligation.
A strong correlation emerged between biblical understanding and generosity. The more women understood stewardship—recognizing God as the Owner and themselves as managers—the more purpose-driven their giving became.
Discipleship shifts generosity from pressure to purpose. It reminds us that giving is not a test to pass, but a response to God’s grace.
From Overwhelm to Clarity: A Real Story
One woman, whom we’ll call Clara, had always given generously. But after inheriting a significant sum of money, she felt pulled in every direction—“a dab here, a little there,” without a sense of impact.
Through a process of discernment and clarity, she began narrowing her giving while increasing her investment in areas aligned with her calling. Her response captured the transformation: “You’ve given me the freedom to say no so I can say a better yes.” Clarity didn’t reduce her generosity—it deepened it.
For many women, financial responsibility begins in the midst of grief. In those moments, wisdom matters.
One helpful principle, often shared by trusted mentors, is this: avoid making drastic financial changes during the first year after a major loss. Decisions will need to be made, but there’s rarely a need to rush.
It’s also vital to seek wise counsel. A trusted advisor who understands both financial realities and biblical stewardship can provide guidance, and bringing along a trusted friend or family member can offer needed perspective and emotional support.
Finding Pu
