Women’s economic well-being has many contributing factors, principally current income. However, income alone may not provide a full picture of women’s current and future economic well-being. Other determinants of families’ and individuals’ economic well-being, such as assets, debts and net worth, must be considered, since they not only provide information about future well-being, they also may provide insight about the financial stability of the household.

Retirement savings are an important indicator of future well-being. Understanding the types of pension plans and measuring contributions allows for a more complete picture of financial preparedness. Home ownership and shelter affordability are also factors of economic well-being. Home ownership has been traditionally related to economic well-being as it may be related to housing stability; a house can also be
liquidated if necessary. Households, or individuals, who spend a large proportion of their income on shelter may face housing insecurity. Finally, readers should be aware that when income, assets, debts and net worth data are analysed by family
type, no assumptions can be made about the distribution of benefits within the household.