Women between the ages of 25 and 35 are much less likely either to have a financial plan or deal with a financial professional, according to the national TD Waterhouse Female Investor Poll.

The poll found that only 44% of younger women had help from a financial professional in managing their household’s investments, versus an average of 56% for women in all age categories. At the same time, only 36% of younger women with household investment responsibility had a financial plan, compared with a 46% average for all ages.

“Young women are in their peak borrowing years as they take our their first mortgage, buy their first car or furnish their homes, said Patricia Lovett-Reid, senior vp, TD Waterhouse Canada Inc., in a release. “For them, retirement seems a lifetime away, and many may feel that they don’t have enough money invested to need professional investment advice.”

According to the poll, women between 25 and 35 with investments were almost twice as likely to seek financial information and investment advice from a friend, relative or colleague at work than women over the age of 35.

“Everyone wants to feel at ease with the person they are going to for financial advice, and it is evident that young women feel more comfortable talking to friends and family,” added Lovett-Reid. “It tends to be the first step for everyone. But it is still no substitute for sitting down with a professional and working out a plan.”

Although the survey also found that younger women are just as likely to seek investment information from a financial professional as older women, the difference is that fewer younger women are using professionals to manage their investments.

“Many young women today have the confidence and skills to manage their own investments,” Lovett-Reid said.

The poll also revealed that by the time young women had progressed into the next age category, 35-45, they had the highest percentage of assistance from financial professionals, with 62% indicating they used a financial professional versus the average of 56% for all ages.

“As we get older, women tend to earn higher incomes and are more poised and confident in managing our professional relationships,” concluded Lovett- Reid. “And so far more women will have developed a financial plan and will have found an advisor they are comfortable with.”

TNS Canadian Facts is a Toronto-based research company. They conducted telephone interviews with 901 randomly selected female investors across Canada between July 27 and August 10. Respondents were between the ages of 25 and 69, and had either sole or equally shared responsibility for their household’s financial decisions. Total sample data is accurate to 3.3%, 19 times out of 20.