Bonding Over Bonds

Monique Maas Gibbons believes that in the 21st century women will be more in charge of their finances than ever before.

“Now we have to start thinking about how to save and how to make our money grow,” Gibbons told the Journal.

So Gibbons herself started thinking. The result was “Women and Investing: Private Asset Management,” an intimate lecture recently held at the Four Seasons Hotel.

Gibbons is co-chair of the Business and Professional Women’s Division, a branch of the Women’s Campaign of the United Jewish Fund (and an extension of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles).

Coordinated by Carmen Portnoy, a financial consultant for Merrill Lynch, “Women and Investing” featured representatives from investment institutions Nuveen Asset Management, Regent Investor Services, Munder Capital Management and Credit Suisse Asset Management (CSAM) to share their financial expertise and advice for the 30 professionals in attendance.

Before launching into the intricacies of municipal bonds and customized portfolio management, Lisa Hallaian, Nuveen’s regional vice president, told her intimate audience that women are 46% better at investing than men, as they tend to be more conservative in their decision-making, while less impulsive and emotional.

Michele Sackheim, an attendee who is also a chair of the Federation’s Dental Division, said, “Overall it was a successful event. I certainly learned a lot, although I think it was geared for people with higher net worth.” She added that she believes that the Business and Professionals Division is doing a great job: They have raised $8.5 million in the past year alone.

“I enjoy meeting other professional women,” Sackheim told the Journal. “It’s nice to be inspired by my peers.”

For more information on Business and Professional Women’s Division, call (310) 689-3680. — Michael Aushenker, Staff Writer