Women fail to save enough, says report

A large proportion of females are failing to save enough money for their futures, relying instead on potentially being rescued financially by a rich knight in shining armour.

This is according to new research from Friends Provident which found that nearly a million women hope to find a man to provide them with financial security.

Its report into the financial matters of the so-called Sex and the City generation found that many women hope to follow in the footsteps of the heroine, Carrie Bradshaw, by bagging a rich boyfriend or husband.

Instead of considering investments, an ISA or another form of saving, many women spend more money on beauty treatments, clothes and accessories.

Fewer than a quarter of respondents had a pension in place, suggesting they are "playing a dangerous game", said senior retail media relations executive at Friends Provident Christine O'Grady.

A large proportion of women were found to be overspending on everyday expenses, while failing to invest enough in their futures by means of savings or pensions.

Ms O'Grady said women ought to consider the fact that their earning pattern is more sporadic than their male counterparts.

"We urge them to take time to look at their finances and think about the future," she concluded.

The long-awaited Sex and the City movie is making its debut in UK cinemas this weekend, following its London premiere last week.