It's enlightening and fascinating too to read the different comments and perspectives from both men and women (i.e. EnglishRebecca121 -Noted your reply of Reply #30 on: February 27, 2017, 12:40:28 AM » re. your long list of overheads, "council tax band e" , "c tax", ...).
Without sounding too egotistical nor arrogant, I have conclusive evidence that some smart and shrewd women, in this type business, can fairly achieve impressive objectives and live a very comfortable life, while still young, after retirement.
Please note, that I am not referring to those women who are model type look / Vogue magazine's type. Those are a small percentage of women who specifically cover a very niche market / clientele (i.e. hedge funds managers, CEO and so forth).
Nonetheless, I am fully aware that to achieve "comfortable financial independence" might depend on many key factors, which I do not wish to highlight them in this forum.
However, it's absolutely crucial to differentiate between internal and external factors that might influence or hampered women's personal targets and or objectives in this line of work.
My understanding (based on conclusive, reliable and empirical evidence) is that through sheer focus, determination, dedications to the job and very detailed flexible planning, it's possible to reach highly satisfactory goals.
Above all, what it most important, is to focus on those things that can be easily changed and successfully executed. We cannot change the seasons though we can change the way we think and we do things....