If women want more satisfaction, confidence and optimism in their investments, they need some good advice, indicates a new survey released Wednesday by Franklin Templeton Investments.

Women are less likely to hold investments and have less confidence in meeting their financial goals than men, reveals a Leger Marketing survey of Canadian investors conducted for Franklin Templeton Investments Corp. Men are 7% more likely to hold investments than women and 6% more confident in their financial plans, the survey found.

Only 65% of women surveyed were satisfied with their investment knowledge compared to 77% of men. Women have a more negative perspective as well. Twenty-six per cent have a pessimistic outlook for their investments versus 18% of men.

An investment advisor closes the gap. Women investors that work with an advisor are 14% more satisfied with their knowledge, 15% more optimistic and 16% more confident in their financial plans when compared to women that invest without the benefit of advice, the survey found.

“Working with an investment advisor is critical if women want to face their financial future with confidence,” says Jennifer Ball, senior vice president of marketing, Franklin Templeton Investments Corp. “An advisor can empower women investors and provide guidance through unpredictable times, from life events to market volatility.”

Between October 12 and 15, Leger Marketing conducted an online survey in which 902 Canadian adults answered questions about their investment attitudes and behaviour. All were screened to qualify as currently having some investments.

IE