The Financial Services Authority has created a new to financial planning for women.

"Piling on the Pounds" has been produced to help women make long-term financial plans, such as pensions, and other issues, such as the financial consequences of divorce.

The watchdog found that while women maybe adept at running household budgets and paying bills, men between 25 and 34 years of age were 20% more likely to be paying into a pension than women.

The situation was even worse for older women than men of the same age.

An interactive CD-Rom, which allows women to complete a financial health check, accompanies the guide.

Deborah Arnott of the FSA, said: "Piling on the Pounds has been designed especially for women to help them tackle all their personal finance issues and make the most of their money."

The free guide can be obtained from 0845 606 1234.