Underrated in America: Being single
The advantages to having a marital partner are well-advertised: filing taxes jointly, sharing a home and other expenses, and not having to spend lavishly on cologne and Versace to impress members of the opposite (or same) sex.
But pairing up also has its disadvantages, especially when it comes to money. Here are a few:
It's a well-known fact that issues over money are one of the leading causes of divorce. By staying single, you will never have to argue about financial priorities -- you can live frugally and save every dime you earn without having to worry about a spendthrift spouse blowing your money on designer clothing or a plasma television.
The tax issues: sometimes being married will save you money and sometimes it won't. It may also affect your ability to contribute to a ROTH IRA.
You and your spouse share liabilities: if your husband runs into trouble with the IRS or creditors, it can affect your credit and your home could end up with a lien on it. If your spouse has financial problems, they will become your problems.
And best of all, staying single will help you avoid one of the most insidious destroyers of wealth creation known to man: children.
