For some women, talking about finances is like pulling teeth. According to a survey by State Farm, 41 percent of women find talking to their spouses about daily finances is worse than visiting the dentist. In spite of this, 24 percent of women go to their spouse for financial advice rather than consult a professional. Twelve percent of women use insurance agents for guidance, and 7 percent turn to accountants.

Even though nearly three-quarters of women are anxious about their retirement savings, only 15 percent have done anything about it. State Farm found 65 percent of women have reconsidered their financial strategy, but only made minor changes.

Women were pretty evenly distributed along the savings spectrum, the survey found. State Farm identified three distinct groups:

• Short-Sighted Spenders: 33 percent of women feel lost when it comes to finances and aren't sure how to get themselves on track.
• Mediocre Money Managers: 31 percent of women are unsure of their financial planning abilities and are uncertain about their future security.
• Set-For-Life Savers: 36 percent of women say they are well-informed and confident about their finances, and feel adequately prepared for any economic challenge they may face down the road.