The 50/50 Narrative

Everyone has a goal in life. We all want peace and some degree of financial security in life. I really don't think that any wakes up with the joy of working for an employer that is not paying what they are worth. So why even take that same mentality into a relationship? Relationships are measured in so many ways and different variations, that we can agree there is no blueprint way with regard to how relationships should be. There is no written law that says a man is suppose to take out the trash, or a woman is suppose to cook the meals and so on. We pray to find someone who is respectfully in a common concept of partnership and hope that everything works out for the best. My question for the woman living today; if not 50/50, then what are you doing with the money you are making?

The narrative on deck these days that men are to provide, protect, and comfort; while the woman makes her money and does what she pleases with it. So let's deal with some common numbers and see why most men would prefer his significant other help out with the finances. Again, for the sake of argument, we will stick with the common numbers and not deal with anyone that is in the top 3 percent of earners ($100k plus). So the average rent and mortgage for a family of 4 is going to range from $1900 to $2300 a month in a major city such as; Dallas, Atlanta, Phoenix, Denver or any other top tier cities around the U.S. Were are going to leave the major cities out of this. Now for the average person with one income to even qualify for a house of this size, must have the income of at least $75k a year (three times the rent rule). Now the average median income reported in 2021 was just under $46k a year (usafacts.org). Now we not even factor in food, utilities, clothing, staple items, entertainment, emergency fund and the list goes on.

I really do not have to go further and provide support that the fact standing is that we are in a system that if there is not two incomes, or one breadwinner with an above substantial income, life can be very hard. So what is the plan if the woman's expectation if for a man to pay all of the bills and the numbers are stacked against him? Well, here are some limited options. The couple can live off of housing that would accommodate a yearly income of $46k. Looking around, that is not very much these days or very safe considering the area and type of living $46k can get a family of 4. There is nothing wrong with families with this level of income and I am not looking down on people in this situation. The key is understanding the social order that is in place and is there a plan to cope with this order, or come up with a plan to rise about what is set in place?

What works for one couple, may not work for the next. If there is combined income of $116k coming in between two parties, then figure out what percentage each person in bringing in and allocate that percentage to the household bills. That is just one of many methods until one of you launches a business, purchase a few rental properties to create passive income, or whatever. Until that plan comes in place, what is the current plan the couple is working on for survival? What will not work for an extended period of time is a man paying all the bills, while the woman does "whatever" she feels fit to do with her money. That is opposite of common sense.