Want A Better Return On Your Money? Use Women Managed Hedge Funds
It’s a dismal fact that women retire with smaller amounts of superannuation than their male counterparts.
Interruptions to their career path usually as a result of taking time out to raise a family further disadvantages a woman who wants to maintain a prosperous lifestyle at retirement.
The reality is that every man or woman is responsible for his/her financial future. Nobody care more about increasing your wealth than you do.
There are hordes of financial advisers out there who do not offer independent financial advice simply because their businesses have been bought out by the major banks and they are obliged to only offer products available through the banks.
It really sucks doesn’t it?
However there is hope; the article below (originally from The New York Times) describes that you’d get a better return on your money when it is managed by a woman.
In the world of hedge funds, a relative few have a woman at the helm. And yet, these funds may be the standouts from the bunch, a new report argues. In the years since the financial crisis, hedge funds managed by women performed better than a broader index that reflects the performance of the industry, according to a report released on Wednesday by the professional services firm Rothstein Kass. The report seeks to show that this “alpha” – superior returns, in Wall Street speak – is no mere fluke. “There is meaningful alpha to be gained from investing in women-owned and -managed funds,” Meredith Jones, a director at Rothstein Kass who wrote the report, said in an interview. “There appear to be both behavioral and biological factors that impact women’s ability to manage money and make them consistent.” From the beginning of 2007 through June 2013 – a period that includes the dark days of the crisis – a Rothstein Kass index of women-run hedge funds returned 6 per cent, the report says. By comparison, the HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index, released by Hedge Fund Research, fell 1.1 per cent during that time, according to the report. Last year through November, the index of women-run funds had a 9.8 per cent return, compared with a 6.13 per cent rise in the broader index, the research showed. (Still, both indexes fell short of the Standard & Poor’s 500-stock index, which rose about 27 per cent during that time.) The report, titled “Women in Alternative Investments: A Marathon, Not a Sprint,” used a group of 82 hedge funds managed or owned by women. Last year, the firm said that female hedge fund managers produced a return of 8.95 per cent through the third quarter of 2012, compared with a 2.69 per cent net return for the broader index. While highlighting the accomplishments of women in hedge funds, private equity and venture capital, this year’s report also draws attention to persistent gender disparities on Wall Street. The research, based on a survey in September and October of 440 senior women in the alternative investments business, suggests that the vast majority of the top jobs are held by men. Of the women surveyed, only 15.5 per cent said their firm was owned or managed by a woman. Among hedge funds in particular, 21.4 per cent were owned or managed by women. About 42 per cent of the respondents said their firm had no general partners who were women. And nearly 40 per cent of the firms included in the survey had no women on their investment committees. In that context, hedge funds run by women remain something of a niche. Some institutional investors, like public pension funds, have a specific mandate to invest a portion of their money in funds run by women or minorities. Though these mandates can be motivated by political factors, Rothstein Kass is seeking to show that investing with women managers can be a wise choice for purely financial reasons. A handful of studies have suggested that women traders behave differently than their male counterparts, acting less impulsively. John Coates, a former trader who is now a research fellow in neuroscience at the University of Cambridge, argued in a 2012 book, “The Hour Between Dog and Wolf,” that testosterone contributed to market swings. Hiring more women on trading floors, he wrote, might have a stabilizing effect. But these ideas are far from mainstream, and the industry has been slow to change. A fourth of investors surveyed by Rothstein Kass said they expected their allocations to women-run funds to increase “somewhat” in 2014, while 2 per cent expected to allocate “significantly” more money. Though the study expected more women to start their own funds in the coming years, the scarcity of such funds is itself an obstacle, a “chicken or the egg” problem, said Kelly Easterling, an audit principal at Rothstein Kass who contributed to the report. “Without a large supply of funds, it’s difficult to achieve appropriate portfolio diversification or, for that matter, put enough money to work to move the performance dial,” she said in a statement quoted in the report. “On the other hand, until there is more money flowing to women-owned and -managed funds, it’s unlikely that there will be a stampede of new fund launches.”
Kirsty Greenshields: Women, Money and Intimacy
Kirsty Greenshields background can only be described as eclectic and all encompassing; she started her career as an Army Intelligence officer, before her own health challenges saw Kirsty become a healer, master NLP practitioner, success coach and author of Women, Money and Intimacy. 
Kirsty addresses the age old conundrum faced by every woman who juggles a career and family; the sometimes guilt laden question she asks of whether there is enough of her to go around to meet the needs of her family and simultaneously satisfy her own ambitions.
Her book is a poignant account of personal discovery, of becoming comfortable with receiving love and money. It is one of finding inner strength by allowing herself to trust and being open and comfortable in her own skin.
And here’s the good bit-Kirsty has also included in Women, Money and Intimacy a powerful series of life changing questions the reader can ask of themselves in order to “lose the emotional baggage” around subconsciously playing small, of feeling like she has to apologize for becoming wealthy.
Rather than forever staying in the background Kirsty discovered the courage to step into the limelight and in a state of gratitude and grace claim her magnificence. She exemplifies what she teaches and that is to live the life you came into this earth to express and lead. Find Kirsty at www.womenmoneyandintimacy.com
Listen to the full interview here:
Kirsty Greenshields Part1 6Aug2013
Kirsty Greenshields Part2 6Aug2013
To order a copy of her book, click on the link below:
http://womenmoneyandintimacy.com/your-money-and-your-mindset-offer
Dorinda Hafner Interview: Honey, I Shrunk The Chef
Dorinda Hafner is a remarkable human being whose career evolution can be summed up as “diverse” which as you read and listen to this interview is an understatement. Leaving Ghana at 18 and bound for the United Kingdom as a trainee nurse, she made stops along the way as a model, dispensing optician, actor, and is best known in Australia as a celebrity chef, civil celebrant and author of her latest book Honey, I Shrunk The Chef. 
At 65 and still going like the clappers, she is testament to the fact that you change careers not just once but many times and at this rate I would not be surprised to see her doing something else in the coming years.
As Dorinda so succinctly puts it, “We are all multi talented beings, and it is only when we nurture and grow these talents that our magnificence shines”. I got a sense of fun and enthusiasm and most importantly passion and authenticity. To me that is a sign of someone honoring her talents.
The original intent of this interview was to discuss her newly published book, but as we talked what unfolded was a chronicle of one woman’s rich and varied life as told through her book. Yep, it included all the triumphs and setbacks and what led to overeating as a means of compensating for perceived shortcomings.
I don’t know about you, but I like happy endings; Dorinda shares how she shed 80 kg (over 160 pounds!) by firstly being internally motivated to continue living a vibrant healthy life. The subsequent external actions she took included getting a (good looking) personal trainer, reassessing her eating habits, understanding and modifying the internal dialogue which lead to overeating.
I am not in the habit of endorsing cookbooks but Honey, I Shrunk The Chef is about self respect and shoring up self esteem by literally nurturing our bodies with good food simply because we have discovered we are lovable as we are.
Some of the topics covered:
Fending for myself-The emotional and psychological management of a food addict; Public image-Dorinda talks about how weight loss changed her relationships with friends, family and others; Exercise Issues-Dorinda’s road to making friends with regular exercise and how it affected her progress; Portion Adjustments-Fun ways to permanent portion control.
Get the book at http://www.honeyishrunkthechef.com
Lisa Page Interview:Women their relationship with themselves, partners and money
Women now more than ever are in the workforce building a career but still playing the traditional roles of wives/girlfriends/mothers. This can be a big responsibility that can leave them exhausted and spent.
If you want more money, work on having happy personal relationships and most importantly be comfortable in your own skin. Believe me, they are interrelated.
Lisa Page founder of Soul Satisfaction for Women states that consciously practicing correct breathing techniques are key to what you yearn for in life.
Lisa Page 14 Aug2012 Interview Part1
LIsa Page 14Aug2012 Interview Part2
In this interview she elaborates on her powerful technique called Breathe Baby Breathe that is pivotal to helping her clients regain that sense of being centered and less stressed. Follow this link to get more information www.breathebabybreathe.com.au
It is from this basis that her clients build better relationships, have more money in the bank and become happier humans.
Lisa has generously made available a BIG and USEFUL freebie eBook that you can get by following the link below:
http://www.soulsatisfactionforwomen.com/ebook-7-feminine-gifts
Find Lisa Page at:
http://www.soulsatisfactionforwomen.com/
Camilla Mendoza Interview: The Importance of Valuing Money
I have invited Camilla Mendoza our expert on money mastery for women to share her experience running her awesome workshop Money Mastery for Women in New York City.
So, the question on everyone’s mind for Camilla-Are New York women any different from their Australian counterparts when it comes to grappling with their ambivalence about making money and having financial security?
Find out here on this 2 part interview.
Camilla Mendoza Part 1 June 2012
Camilla Mendoza Part 2 June 2012
If you feel you could do with some help, Camilla has some practical suggestions about how to overcome some ingrained self sabotaging habits that have kept you financially strapped.
Find Camilla at http://www.moneymasteryforwomen.com/
Camilla Mendoza Interview: Money Mastery For Women
Camilla Mendoza teaches women to get a grip on their finances.
It is unfortunate but unsurprising that there are still a number of otherwise intelligent women who leave the investing and money management to their husbands. “Ladies, this is not a smart move” as Camilla will tell you. I am reminded of a wry and tongue in cheek quote, “A man is no financial plan” and I cannot agree more with who ever first penned it.
Camilla Mendoza Interview 2012 Part1
Camilla Mendoza Interview2012 Part2
As a performance coach and accredited mortgage broker Camilla specializes in helping people gain financial mastery and independence so they can live life on their terms. Her clients include SME business owners and corporate professionals, and people who simply want to grow and bring about change in their personal life.
Find Camilla Mendoza at
http://www.prosperitypoint.com.au
Angels in Hell-re empowered after rape: Interview with Ruby Johnson and Leanne Peard
None of us goes through life unscathed.
Ruby Johnson
Leanne Peard
Sometimes we cannot avoid the slings and arrows inflicted by thoughtless, tactless and downright objectionable people who co habit planet Earth.
These come in the form of verbal or physical bullying or worse.
Depending on our level of self esteem and self confidence we either roll with the punches or feel that it will take an eternity to heal those wounds.
If you are a regular reader of my blog articles you will know that at the very core of becoming successful is our perception of our self esteem, self worth, self confidence that will either get you there or stop you from achieving all your goals.
I had the privilege of speaking with Leanne Peard & Ruby Johnson authors of Angels in Hell-re empowered after rape about their personal experiences and what they have done to move on.
Watch my interview with these 2 remarkable ladies: viewMedia.do?mId=192824806
or download the interview
Ruby Johnson Leanne Peard Interview Part1
Ruby Johnson Leanne Peard Interview Part2a
Ruby Johnson Leanne Peard Interview Part2b
Firstly I want to acknowledge their courage and honesty for writing about their personal experience with rape.
Secondly I want to thank them on behalf of everyone who has been through it for sharing their means and methods to heal (emotionally) and move forward with their lives rather than be held hostage to the past.
“Change or tapping into personal power is not an easy—but definitely a necessary—part of this journey called life, especially for those of us who have been violated, abused or attacked.
The bad news is that many will not take the steps to change; many will not be able to forgive. Many will stay in the darkness and never experience the beauty that life has to offer. We would hope that you will choose to change, to transform your life and re-‐empower yourself.”-Angels in Hell re empowered after rape
Leanne Peard is the director of Absolute Wisdom a Life and Business Coaching consultancy, a Master of Reiki, and mother of two; she lives in tropical Cairns Queensland.
Ruby Johnson is the owner/director of Wholistic Enterprises and the founder of the College for Actualising Human Potential. She has designed and had nationally accredited the Cert IV to the Advanced Diploma in Wholistic Wellness and is the Author of 2 other books: Your Drug or Your Life and Wake Up & Breathe.
Purchase the book at http://www.celebratingwomanhood.com.au
Visit them on www.facebook.com/angelsinhell1
Dr Xenia Ioannou Interview: Her Inner Journey to Wealth
Dr Xenia Ioannou is a millionaire property investor, businesswoman, wife, mother and author of “Your Inner Journey to Wealth-A Guide to Developing a Millionaire Mindset”. 
Together with husband Angelo they founded Alexa Property Group with Real Estate Sales, Property Management, Acquisitions, Research, Education under this extensive company umbrella.
My interest in conducting these interviews has always been to uncover the motivation that spurs a person to become successful. Speaking with Xenia about her own experiences to creating wealth was akin to finding a huge nugget whilst prospecting.
Xenia Ioannou Interview (unlinked)
When a guest so honestly shares the challenges that turn up and more importantly how she overcame these challenges, well that is pure gold.
Xenia’s message is simple, “Take responsibility and don’t be a victim”. Equally important, “Find mentors and associate with like minded people who want to succeed”.
You can’t argue with that direct kind of approach that dare I say harks from her time as a medical research scientist.
Is it paradoxical that someone trained in analytical, scientific evaluation methods can point to an individual’s mindset as the determining factor for success (or not)? Let’s just say that the person most adaptable wins.
What this should mean to you dear reader is that within each and everyone of us is the potential to becoming successful and creating lasting wealth. So, are you ready to step up?
Xenia, to her credit has made it her personal mission to help every person who desires financial freedom by providing the necessary education they did not get at school.
Please go to her website to download Chapter 1 of her book.
Scott and Bethany Palmer Interview: Ask The Money Couple
Scott and Bethany Palmer are best known as “The Money Couple” and authors of “Cents and Sensibility” and “First Comes Love, Then Comes Money”. They are certified financial advisers based in Colorado Springs Colorado and together run Envoy Financial.
Scott and Bethany’s corporate mission statement “Strengthening personal financial relationships” should resonate with anyone who is in a relationship or thinking about going in to and/or getting out of one.
Have you ever noticed that for a commodity that we literally could not do without, serious discussions about money between couples can elicit a range of responses some of which border on the irrational?
Scott and Bethany Palmer Interview. You can download the mp3 recording and pdf transcript of this interview by going to http://yourmoneyandyourmindset.com/online-store/
I asked Scott and Bethany about the dynamics involved in managing joint finances for two people who are about to make a serious commitment to each other. As Scott and Bethany explained “It starts with each person understanding themselves and their personal views on money. These inherent money profiles that we all have determine whether we are savers or spenders, risk takers and everything else in between”.
They go on to say, “Financial infidelity can occur if there isn’t the understanding and clear communication between two people ”.
Got that folks? Talk to your significant other about money, and do it in manner that is non judgmental or accusatory. Personally I think that not taking an interest (no pun intended) in your day to day budget, investments and retirement plan is much like sticking your head in the sand. Wishing someone else will deal with it just does not cut it; you really do not want your assets exposed.
What gladdened my heart was to hear Scott and Bethany supporting parents who want to give their kids a firm financial grounding as early as possible. Therefore, teaching your children to save, invest and respect money will give your kids a tremendous head start. Kids, you will thank your parents for this one day.
As for the sensitive subject of estate planning, Bethany as the mother of two young boys shares her personal story of overcoming breast cancer. Their advice, “Take the emotion out of the decision making process is the first step”, indeed is the most important we all could use.
Find Scott and Bethany Palmer at:
How To Ask For and Get A Payrise Using The Kiri Waiata Green Method: Kiri Waiata Green Interview
Kiri Waiata Green is not your conventional business and life coach. Professional qualifications aside this remarkable lady has a God given and unique gift to help her clients find their voice (literally). 
If you are one of the silent majority who struggles to ask for a payrise or promotion and feel you have hit a glass ceiling (I’m talking to you ladies), perhaps it is time to consider alternative methods of approaching your boss for that pay increase and promotion.
So, in corporate speak you are requesting a review of your remuneration package such that it is commensurate with your current roles and responsibilities.
In reality you don’t feel you have the right to ask.
This problem of massive self doubt is one that Kiri regularly helps her clients banish and shatter using her novel and incredible program called “Breaking the Sound Barrier”.
Kiri Waiata Green Interview (unlinked)
Listen to my interview with Kiri as she explains the physics of using sound and vibrations generated at the molecular level to remove limiting self beliefs and emotional blockages to wealth creation.
Kiri is a Beyond Success Qualified Coach, a NLP Certified Practitioner (Success Dynamics Institute), holds a Diploma in Counselling (Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors), and a Certificate IV in Small Business Management.
Find her at