25 Years Into the 21st Century and Women Still Have Less to Spend

The paycheck hits, the bills get paid, and what’s left? For millions of American women, the answer is often far less than their male counterparts.

Fresh data from the 2025 U.S. Spending Trends report by Attest reveals that women have significantly less disposable income than men, exposing a persistent financial gap that continues to shape how they spend, save, and plan for the future.

According to Attest, nearly a quarter of women report having less than $50 in disposable income each month after paying bills, compared to 11% of men.

That stark difference becomes even more pronounced when you zoom out: 36% of women have less than $100 left after bills, compared to 20% of men.

The disparity spans every income level

The disparity is visible across the entire income spectrum. When researchers looked at Americans with more than $1,000 in monthly disposable income, 19% of men fell into this category compared with only 14% of women.

The gender gap persists regardless of overall household earnings.

What makes these findings particularly concerning is their timing.

With inflation still elevated and economic uncertainty looming, having a financial cushion matters more than ever. Yet women are entering this challenging period with significantly less breathing room in their budgets.

The implications extend beyond monthly cash flow. Women are also more likely to have zero savings, with 36% reporting they have nothing set aside compared to 17% of men.

This combination of low disposable income and minimal savings may create a precarious financial position that could spiral quickly if unexpected expenses arise.

Gender-based differences in money management

The Attest data reveals notable differences in how men and women manage their money, which may reflect distinct approaches to budgeting, access to credit, or spending priorities.

• Tipping habits: 21% of women skip tipping vs. 13% of men
• No credit or store cards: 25% of women vs. 18% of men
• Typical clothing spend per transaction: $50–$74 for women vs. $100–$149 for men

These differences may highlight how men and women prioritize and manage their finances differently.

Financial vulnerability for older men and women

The Attest survey does not break down data by both age and gender, but it highlights two clear patterns: women report lower levels of disposable income, and adults aged 50 to 67 are the most likely to feel financially unstable.

Nearly 30 percent of over-50s have no savings at all.

Taken together, these findings suggest that older women may face a uniquely difficult financial position. With limited income to spare, fewer savings, and less time to recover from setbacks, they are likely navigating tight budgets under greater pressure than many of their male counterparts.

Research also shows that women tend to live longer, earn less over a lifetime, and have smaller retirement balances, further compounding the challenges they face in later life.

Ripple effects throughout household finances

The impact of limited disposable income goes beyond short-term spending. When there is little left at the end of the month, it becomes harder to manage unexpected expenses, save for the future, or take advantage of financial opportunities.

This has broader implications for household financial planning, especially in families where women are the primary earners or managing finances alone. Without the buffer to handle emergencies or invest consistently, financial progress can stall.

Men are still more likely to report higher savings levels, including balances over $40,000.

That head start can translate into greater long-term security, reinforcing gaps in wealth, retirement readiness, and financial resilience between men and women over time.

How to manage if you are living with less

For people managing on a tight budget, a few small steps may help improve stability over time:

1. Set aside small amounts regularly. Even modest, consistent savings can create a basic emergency fund.
2. Cut back on non-essentials. Reducing spending on takeout, subscriptions, or impulse purchases can ease monthly pressure.
3. Avoid high-interest debt. Steering clear of new credit cards or loans helps prevent added financial strain.
4. Track income and expenses closely. Knowing exactly where money goes can reveal ways to adjust or save.
5. Get a full picture of your finances. Use an app like Origin to help build a custom budget, track spending, manage investments, plan for taxes, and organize your estate.

These strategies cannot solve structural inequality, but they can offer a measure of protection for individuals facing uncertain financial circumstances.