On World Menopause Day, Charis Marr, co-founder of the UAE-based financial wellbeing brand In Good Wealth, is urging women to treat menopause not only as a health transition but also as a pivotal moment to review their finances, career plans and long-term security.

Menopause and perimenopause often arrive in the final 10 to 15 years of a woman’s working life, a period when earnings and pension contributions matter most, yet responsibilities can be at their heaviest. Women may be supporting ageing parents, caring for children, or considering a change in working hours, all while managing physical and emotional changes.

Marr believes that silence around menopause carries a real financial cost. “When women don’t feel able to speak up, they’re more likely to make big decisions quietly and alone, like leaving a job they love, when an honest conversation with an employer or partner might have opened up other options, such as flexible working or a change of role,” she says.

That pressure can affect confidence, progression and income. Some women may hesitate to apply for promotions or pay rises, while others reduce their hours or step away from work altogether. Because there is less time for earnings to recover and investments to compound later in a career, these decisions can have a lasting impact on retirement savings.

For women in the UAE, the financial picture can be more complex. Health insurance is often tied to employment, so leaving a role may mean arranging private cover later in life, potentially at a higher cost. Many women are also managing assets, pensions and family responsibilities across more than one country.

Marr says preparation is about creating options before a crisis arrives. “Being prepared gives you choices, and choices make change so much easier to navigate,” she explains. She advises women to start with a clear view of what they own, what they owe, what protections are in place and what would happen to their money if their circumstances changed, whether by choice or unexpectedly.

A simple financial check-in can help. She advises listing essential monthly expenses, building an emergency fund covering several months, reviewing insurance and pension provisions, and having honest conversations with a partner or family about how an income change would affect the household.

Marr also encourages women to see financial wellbeing as part of their overall health. “Financial stress also has a huge impact on our physical and mental health, affecting everything from sleep to mood and energy, so it can’t be treated in isolation,” she says.

While every woman’s experience is different, Marr’s message is clear: midlife deserves the same financial attention as any other major life stage. With earlier planning, clearer information and the right support, menopause can become a moment to strengthen financial confidence rather than set back years of progress.