New Book Shares Inspiring Stories of Women Overcoming Financial Challenges

WASHINGTON, Jan. 10 -- The Insured Retirement Institute issued the following news release:

The Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) today announced that IRI President and CEO Cathy Weatherford's new book, "Women and Wealth: Inspiring Stories from Real Women on the Path to Financial Success," is now available. The book, which can be downloaded for free at IRIonline.org, offers lessons from women who have overcome financial challenges, with each story providing takeaways for both women and the financial professionals who serve them.

"First and foremost, this book is about showing women that they still can attain financial freedom and reach their goals, despite all the challenges and headwinds they face," said Weatherford, who was recently announced by InvestmentNews as a recipient of its "Women to Watch" award. "Each chapter gives short takeaways, creative strategies, and resources to help women build or refine their financial plans. The book also has a second purpose, to help financial professionals better understand the unique challenges and needs of the underserved women's market."

Readers of "Women and Wealth: Inspiring Stories from Real Women on the Path to Financial Success" will meet, be inspired by, and learn from the experiences of many women, including:

* Sara -- a married, working mother forced to downsize after losing full-time employment following the financial crisis.

* Noelle -- a retired teacher who, after becoming more involved in her family's financial planning, switched advisors to one embracing a comprehensive planning approach based on client goals, not merely focused on investment performance.

* Angela -- a financially prudent executive with a sizeable nest egg, but unsure of how to make it last and meet all her needs and goals in retirement.

* Julia -- a former substitute teacher who became an advisor to help bring financial stability to her family and to teach her clients from her own financial challenges.

Journalists may request printed copies of the book by contacting Cheretta Clerkley at cclerkley@irionline.org.

Click HERE (http://irionline.org/women-and-wealth-book) to download an eBook.

Click HERE (http://www.myirionline.org/images/default-source/research-covers/women-and-wealth-cover-page.png?Status=Temp&sfvrsn=2) to access a digital image of the book cover.

About Catherine "Cathy" J. Weatherford: Cathy Weatherford has been President and CEO of the Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) since 2008. She spent most of her 40-year career as a regulator and consumer advocate. Before her tenure at IRI, she served as the CEO of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Weatherford also was the first woman to serve as Oklahoma's Insurance Commissioner, a statewide elected office, a position she held from 1991 to 1995. In this capacity, she served on the Board of Trustees of the Oklahoma State Employees Retirement Systems and on the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma State Employees Group Insurance Program. Weatherford also served as a Senior Policy Advisor to Oklahoma Governor David Walters prior to becoming Insurance Commissioner.

About the Insured Retirement Institute: The Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) is the leading association for the retirement income industry. IRI proudly leads a national consumer coalition of 40 organizations, and is the only association that represents the entire supply chain of insured retirement strategies. IRI members are the major insurers, asset managers, broker-dealers/distributors, and 150,000 financial professionals. As a not-for-profit organization, IRI provides an objective forum for communication and education, and advocates for the sustainable retirement solutions Americans need to help achieve a secure and dignified retirement. Learn more at www.irionline.org.

30VitinMar-5741944 30VitinMar