"Our strategy is to continually improve our Web site so our customers can benefit from the convenience of the Internet and the wide array of products and services we offer," said Scott Hurlbert, manager, eBusiness at People's. "We were already providing valuable content;now we've made finding information faster and easier."

The new women's section takes its name from the bank's tagline, "It's Possible. At People's." The women's possibilities pages provide educational content for the unique financial needs of women.

"This section of peoples.com strives to help women succeed with their finances, their family and life," said Maribeth Farley, market segment manager at People's.

When it comes to money, Farley explained, men and women are decidedly different. "We're talking about everything from attitude to decision making, and from investing and credit to insurance and education," she said. "The pages focus on life stages because women make decisions based around actual or anticipated changes in their lives," she said. "For example, women can point, click and read about how to manage their finances during crucial life events such as marriage, divorce or widowhood, the birth of a child or retirement."

The pages offer access to two online courses, Financial Security for Women and Financially Responsible Kids. The online nature of the courses maximizes convenience for users, according to Farley. "Women can take the courses at their own pace, according to their hectic schedules and busy lives," she said.

The site also offers advice and solutions on career-related topics such as health benefits, 401(k) plans, business travel and life insurance.

"A majority of our customers are women and women make or influence 80 percent of the financial decisions made in our households," Farley said. "We make informed decisions. Women are more likely than men to freely ask questions and do research on the Internet, or through magazines, newspapers, television and radio for more financial information. So, the addition of 'women's possibilities' to our Web site is a natural fit."

Farley sees more changes coming in the future. "We'll continue to change the site with monthly updates and improve it as we hear from women about what they would find helpful." The site invites comments and opinions via its e-mail address womenspossibilities@peoples.com.

People's (peoples.com) is a diversified financial services company providing commercial, consumer, insurance and investment services. Founded in 1842, it is the largest state-chartered bank in Connecticut with managed assets of $13 billion, 154 branches and 230 ATMs. People's is a leader in commercial banking, residential lending, life insurance sales, supermarket banking and ranks 16th nationally as an issuer of MasterCard and Visa credit cards. People's subsidiaries offer brokerage services, asset management, equipment financing and leasing, and insurance services.