There are very few people who decide to get married simply for financial gain. Most do get married because they really want to be with someone they love.

For a full view of the financial side of marriage you have to factor in one of the major side-effects ...children.

I agree that the majority of people who marry do so for non-monetary reasons. I do believe, however, certain individuals likely marry into certain groups for monetary gain - such as marrying a professional athlete. Although Bella's book does point out the plethora of financial incentives that are showered primarily upon married couples.

But I think most the rest of individuals who marry do so under the irrational spell of matrimania - the societal belief that someone is not "complete" unless and until a marriage ring is on one's finger and have a white picket fence to go home to each evening.

This article is complete nonsense. If you add up all the "benefits" of getting married, but ignore the risks, of course it will sound attractive.

Realistically, if you're a man, discount your wealth by 50% to to get your "married net worth". Women have all sorts of incentives to divorce, and most of them come at the expense of a man's finances.

Men, stay single, play the field and marry as late as you can in no alimony states such as Texas. Put a prenup in place before marrying. Your marriage is a contract between three parties: you, your wife, and the state in which you reside. The third party determines the division of assets in the event you divorce, and that division usually includes a hefty chunk to your ex-wife.

Do not marry unless there is a compelling reason to do so.

I completely agree. Never been married, no kids. Have a career, a home, a vehicle, pay my bills on time, cook & clean for myself - things I totally enjoy doing for myself - have a professional degree. I don't know what marriage can bring to the 'table' that I don't already have. I have companionship with close friends, family, and co-workers. I'm perfectly content with my life the way it is.

emc April 20, 2008

Interesting article and most of it I have experienced. I was married for 28 years and then was widowed at age 51. The slash in income was dramatic and I cannot marry again or I lose my spousal benefits. I worked along side my husband to earn those retirement benefits but cannot access the full benefit, if I had died my husband would have received all of them.

I have felt the crush of singlehood, yes,from missing a loving partner but also the feelings aroused from society's view of older single women. We are given the idea there is something wrong with us if we are not paired. People don't approach us in public to chat when we are alone, married friends avoid you and there is always the question when you first meet someone, "Have you met anyone?"

Yeah, I met alot of someones but I am not going to settle for taking on someone's debt, waiting for them to show up on their time schedule and make me feel I am lucky to have them just to say I have a boyfriend. That attitude has sent may running.

I have become more comfortable being alone. Love in my life would be a nice addition not a necessity. Are Friday nights still a lonely, yes but it doesn't last long. Soon I get involved with a book, a movie or a project, all of my chosing.

I now have coupled friends who envy my freedom, my financal independance and complain regularly about mates.

So there it is, not just sour grapes but a gradual acceptance and understanding that I am not in small miniority. I have good company.

I've seen these posters and they give one pause.

They feature a big photo of a young African American bride and groom leaving a church with huge smiles. They appear to be about 18 years old. Along with that they do say "Married people earn more money." There's also a web link. I'll find it and let you know.

They are scattered around DC in bus stops, mostly in poorer neighborhoods.

It disgusts and angers me to learn that they are federally funded!

Hello my friends :)
;)

Marrying for money leads to divorce. That's why the rate is so high.