This is the last post on the series about money and couples that I started last month.
- 6 reasons couples should talk about money ( featured on Personal Finance Blogs)
- 10 reasons why couples fight over money
- How to budget without fighting in 8 steps
- 6 money do’s and don’ts in a relationship
Did you know that at least one in four women make more money than their partners? In addition, in three out of four relationships, incomes are almost equal. Yet the idea of the man as the provider and the woman as the homemaker persists.
The strange fact is that most couples ignore the fact that income roles have changed. Even though most people state that men and women are equal, many men are still ashamed to earn less than their partners. By the same token, women usually never admit to earning more for fear of hurting their spouse/partner. However, it shouldn’t matter who makes more because it’s a joint effort to succeed.
The Money is a Joint Asset
In a long-term relationship, even if you don’t live in a joint property state, most couples see the income as a joint asset. Income from the man and the women are part of the joint assets, and all of it is considered when financial decisions are made.
Examine Your Relationship Roles
If you’re bothered by making more than your partner or vice version, you really need to examine your relationship roles. If you’re trying to maintain a traditional marriage/relationship due to your religious beliefs, you can still do that even if the woman earns more as the income is a joint asset of both couples and not owned by just the person who earns it. The other parts of your roles don’t have to change based on who earns more.
Communicate Openly & Transparently
Sometimes people do build up resentments if one spouse/partner earns less regardless of which spouse/partner it is. That may increase when it’s the woman earning more than the man, but that is only due to societal pressures. Don’t allow society to place responsibilities on either of you. If you are both doing jobs, you enjoy doing, that’s what matters.
Income Equality Increases Income Equity Will Too
Our society is in flux right now. Women are finally starting to catch up with their male counterparts regarding income. That is a good thing. No matter what your personal beliefs are, everyone doing the same job should receive same pay, taking into account that the skill levels and experience is the same. The more this occurs, the more likely you’re going to have cases where women make more than men. This is a good thing for the world.
There is no shame in women earning more than men. In fact, the more equal women become in the workplace commanding the same salaries as men the better for everyone. It really should not be a negative issue in your relationship. If you are both happy in your lives and careers, it shouldn’t matter.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
The Money Savvy Blog 