Women still earn about 70 percent what men do; they take time off from paying jobs to raise families; and they are less likely to have an employer-sponsored retirement plan

And yet, women need greater retirement savings because they live longer. A workshop next week will address the great need for women's financial education.

"The need is huge," said Roberta Tucker, director of fixed income at Fifth Third Bank and seminar speaker at the 2003 Women & Money workshop. "A lot of women really do need this more than men because their retirement situation is more critical."

The one-day workshop, presented by Ohio Treasurer Joe Deters, will be held Friday at Xavier University's Cintas Center. Registration for the free session is available at (800) 228-1102 or www.ohiowomenandmoney.org.

Amy Higgins