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New research has shown women are not protecting their finances in the same way as men, so we've enlisted the help of some money experts...

It goes without saying that International Women's Day is an opportunity to celebrate all of the amazing ladies of Ireland and our incredible impact across so many walks of life. A quick scroll through your socials this morning has likely shown just how impressive women can be when they're given fair opportunities and empowered to be the best they can be. But this day is also a chance to reflect on areas where women are not being dealt the same hand as our male counterparts and present solutions that will help regain some balance. As it turns out, personal finances are one area where women might not be protecting their assets as well as men. Research has suggested that women are under-insuring their property, under-investing in pensions and other financial products, and are more likely to experience poverty in retirement. So it's truly never been more important to reflect on the ways women can be empowered to take control of their own finances. So with the help of Aviva, we've answered some of the most crucial questions about managing your own finances. Covering everything from the importance of pensions to getting the best deals on your insurance, Aviva's Manager of Investment Marketing Karen Deenihan and Julie Frazer, their Personal Lines Product & Underwriting Lead, have answered just some of your need-to-know questions around managing your finances below. For more info on any of these topics, you can visit Aviva's new digital hub HERE. What's your #1 finance tip that everyone could benefit from following? Karen: "Budgeting is key. This will allow you better understand your outgoings and help pay your bills on time. You should also have a rainy-day fund to protect you financially against the unexpected, ideally three to six months of your salary. You can then focus on saving to meet your short and longer-term goals, such as funding your children’s education or saving for retirement." What are your top tips when taking out home, car or travel insurance? Julie: "Do shop around to ensure you get the best value but, make sure you compare the benefits available. Having a claim can be a stressful experience but having the right cover in place can make all the difference. With car insurance your no-claims discount can save you a lot of money, so you should consider protecting it. This allows you to have a certain number of claims without losing your discount. It costs a little extra but in could save you a lot of money in the long run. For home insurance, setting the correct building and contents sums insured is vital – don’t forget to review them every time you renew. The building sum insured is the amount it would cost to rebuild your home and the contents sum insured is the amount it would cost to replace all your contents as new. If you set these values too low you could be under-insured and, in the event of a claim, you risk that only a portion of the claim will be paid out." How can I make savings on my insurance? Julie: "Most insurers offer a multi-car discount, so you can save money when insuring a second car in your household with the same provider. Some will also offer savings if you have more than one insurance product with them such as home and car insurance. Your No Claims Discount will offer significant savings on your insurance costs and some insurers may offer additional discounts depending on the number of penalty points you have – being a safe driver makes a difference!" How do pensions work, and at what age should I start paying into one? Karen: "A pension is a long-term savings plan. When you take out a pension, your money is invested and has the potential to grow, especially over the long term. Pension savings benefit from generous tax relief at your marginal rate. So, at current tax rates, if you're a higher rate taxpayer, for every €1 you invest in your pension, it costs you 60 cents. Anyone over 18 who is working should save into a pension. The reason is simple; the earlier you start saving, the greater your retirement income." What is financial protection? Karen: "Protection products allow you to insure your most valuable asset, yourself. There are various kinds of products available e.g., an income protection policy will provide you with an income if you can't work for an extended period due to illness or injury.  A life assurance policy will pay a lump sum to your dependents in the event of your death." For more tips to help you tackle your finances, visit Aviva's new digital hub or talk to your Financial Broker. Brought to you by Aviva