Survey: Many U.S. women fear poverty

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Despite making enormous strides professionally and financially, almost half of American women fear poverty, even many of those earning six-figure salaries, according to a new survey. Six in 10 women describe themselves as the primary breadwinners in their households, and 54 percent manage the family finances, according to the poll by Allianz Life Insurance Co. of North America. Even so, 49 percent fear becoming a "bag lady" — a homeless woman who carries her meager belongings in a shopping bag. Most surprising, 27 percent of women earning more than $200,000 a year said they fear falling into such destitution. Such concerns were most pronounced among single women (56 percent), divorcees (54 percent) and widows (47 percent). But even 43 percent of married women harbor such fears, according to the study. Allianz polled more than 2,200 women aged 25 to 75 with minimum household income of $30,000 a year. The study points up the conflicting emotions of American women toward money, and the disconnect among some between their generally promising financial reality and their deep-seated financial fears. Fifty-seven percent of poll respondents said they "have more earning power than ever before" and "handle major investment decisions and retirement planning." Yet many also worry that financial achievement alienates men, as well as other women. Forty-two percent said financially independent women intimidate men and run the risk of ending up alone, according to the survey. Almost one-third said those women are hard to relate to and don't have many friends.