ITHACA, N.Y. -- Women have unique financial circumstances. They earn less, on average, than men. They may have employment gaps due to family caregiving, which can affect their future retirement benefits. They also live longer, on average, than men, so their money has to last longer. Of the elderly poor in the United States, more than 70 percent are women.

Issues such as these, and strategies to empower and equip women to become more financially savvy, are the focus of the Cornell University conference "Money Talk: A Conference on Women's Financial Health and Well-Being" to be held at the Holiday Inn, Hancock International Airport in Syracuse, June 8.

Sponsored by the Family Economics and Resource Management Program Work Team of Cornell Cooperative Extension, the conference is intended for community leaders, educators, social and human service professionals, business and labor leaders, officers of women's professional and service organizations, representatives of financial institutions and other financial professionals.

"The conference will provide a wealth of resources to anyone who works with or serves women in ways related to their financial circumstances," says Barbara Bristow, extension associate in the Department of Policy Analysis and Management (PAM) at Cornell. "Cornell Cooperative Extension has a long history of providing research-based information and educational programs to help people create better life outcomes for themselves. This conference draws together top scholars and educators to address these critical issues in practical ways. Conferees will go home with a wealth of knowledge, teaching materials, supplies and other resources to help women take steps toward a more secure financial future."

The first part of the conference includes a keynote address by Lynn Rollins, a certified financial planner and senior adviser to Gov. George Pataki on women's issues. This will be followed by a panel presentation by Richard Burkhauser, the Sarah Gibson Blanding Professor and chair of PAM; Cindy Hounsell, executive director of the Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement; and Jerusha Ramos of the Principal Financial Group. 

During the afternoon, attendees will be able to select two workshop sessions from a total of six offered. Sessions include: Money Talk: A Financial Guide for Women, Phishing for Your Identity; Money Smart; Retirement Planning for Women; Caregiving, Insurance and Late Life Issues; and Investing for Your Future.

The agenda and registration information are available by contacting Bristow at (607) 254-5282 or bjb4@cornell.edu or Lois Brown at (607) 255-7770 or ljb23@cornell.edu. Advance registration and a fee of $75 is required to attend the conference. This fee includes a copy of the book "Money Talk: A Financial Guidebook for Women" (a $23 value), the full-day conference program, breaks, materials and buffet lunch. The registration deadline is May 20.