Thank you, Diane Pleuss, for providing this insightful summary of the event
Mary Ann Bartels knows what it means to stand at the edge of uncertainty and take the leap. When she walked into Wall Street as a young woman, she was following in the footsteps of her Aunt Bernadette—a trailblazer who became the first woman at 25 Broad Street in 1956.
As Bartels recently spoke to a room full of women at the Financial Women of San Francisco (FWSF) event on February 7, her message was clear: women can’t afford to wait for someone else to take the reins of their financial futures.
Too many women push finances to the back of their to-do lists, overwhelmed by work, family, and daily responsibilities. But as Bartels explained, waiting too long to invest or relying on someone else to make financial decisions can mean missing out on opportunities that build long-term security and wealth. With over 40 years on Wall Street, she has seen how those who take control of their investments—and keep emotion out of their decisions—come out ahead.
The stock market can feel unpredictable, but Bartels encouraged the audience to see it as a puzzle. She emphasized a simple strategy: stay calm, remove emotion, and focus on corporate earnings growth. Corporate earnings ultimately drive stock prices despite economic fluctuations, making patience and consistency key to financial success.
One of the most significant shifts happening in investing right now is the rise of AI. Bartels pointed out that technology is cyclical, but today’s advancements are moving faster than ever. She urged the audience to pay attention to industries benefiting from AI, such as tech and tech-related, as they will likely continue driving significant market growth.
And the future? Bartels predicts the S&P could climb to 10,000 points, even 13,000 points by 2029–2031. This projection reflects long-term opportunity for those who stay the course. More companies are staying private, making fewer stocks available on the public stock exchange, but there are still opportunities to earn investment returns, especially for those who invest consistently and think beyond short-term market swings.
Before closing, Bartels shared a simple but powerful message: invest with every paycheck. Her “secret:” Don’t take it out. Markets will rise and fall, but history shows that those who stay invested see the most significant gains over time.
FWSF continues to promote financial leaders, ensuring women are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to build their own financial success. Stay tuned for future events designed to empower women in finance, leadership, and management.
From Connections Newsletter (Past Event Highlights): March 2025
