Only 25 per cent of women have money invested in some format, compared to 48 per cent of men.
That was according to a survey of 2,000 UK adults conducted in November 2025 for smart money app Plum.
Overall, only 36 per cent said they currently invest, while 84 per cent did not see themselves as confident savers.
Rajan Lakhani, head of money at Plum, said: “These numbers show just how much work there is to do to build financial confidence across the UK.
“By not embracing smart savings strategies and not feeling equipped to make well-informed investment decisions, people are literally leaving money on the table.
“It’s leaving us stressed, worried and worse off.”
The research highlighted a regional disparity, with 26 per cent investing in the North East compared to 47 per cent in London.
Risks, not thinking they had enough cash to invest and a lack of confidence were cited by non-investors as reasons they had not invested.
Some 50 per cent of women said they do not invest and had no plans to.
Lakhani said: “I’d urge everyone to take one small step to help improve their financial wellbeing.
“You don’t have to do everything at once, but taking a small step now will unlock bigger ones down the line.”
hereward.mills@ft.com