Women over the age of 55 are now the fastest-growing demographic experiencing homelessness in Australia, according to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The 2021 Census recorded a 6.6 per cent increase in homelessness among women in this age group — driven by rising housing costs, financial insecurity, disrupted work patterns, and decades of structural inequality.

This growing crisis is impacting women who have spent their lives working, raising families, caring for others, and contributing to society — many of whom are now approaching retirement with limited financial buffers and little control over their superannuation.

At its core, this is not just a housing issue — it’s a financial empowerment issue.  When women don’t have visibility or control over their superannuation, they are far more vulnerable to financial insecurity later in life.

We work closely with women navigating major life transitions — including divorce, career disruption, caring responsibilities, and reinvention in midlife and these moments often coincide with a shift in perspective.

We’re seeing a powerful movement of women stepping into clarity, agency, and ownership in midlife, one of the most under-utilised tools available to them is something they already own — their superannuation.

For decades, superannuation has largely been treated as passive and distant, particularly for women. However, taking control of super can unlock long-term financial resilience by enabling investment decisions aligned with personal values and future goals.

An SMSF can provide that control, allowing women to:

• Directly manage how their retirement savings are invested

• Build long-term financial resilience

• Break away from passive, hands-off super arrangements

• Create structures that support independence and security later in life

SMSFai specialises in establishing and administering SMSFs that invest in alternative assets such as digital assets, bullion, and property — handling the accounting, audit, compliance, and administration so clients can focus on strategy and direction.

To address the growing crisis and provide practical pathways to financial security, SMSFai has launched the 100 Women Campaign — a national initiative designed to help 100 Australian women take ownership of their superannuation and build long-term financial confidence.

The campaign provides:

• Access to a team of trusted Female Experts from Bullion through to Crypto Brokers

• Access to free education through SMSFAI’s online learning platform

• One-on-one guidance from experienced SMSF specialists

• Ongoing human support via phone, text, or email

This cause is personal to me. I was raised by a single mother with limited financial resources, and I learned early that financial knowledge changes outcomes. My commitment to self-education came from a determination to take responsibility for my future — and today, that same belief drives my work. Everyone deserves access to clear, practical financial education that empowers them to make confident decisions.