Rise of the Alpha Wives July 30, 2013My Money, PINK NotesOff

Wives are now the primary breadwinners in 24 percent of U.S. households, and nearly a third are more educated than their spouses, according to a study by Pew Research.

These trends have contributed to gender role reversal in economic gains from marriage.

Many women no longer need their husbands to provide financially. And, in situations where the wife wants a career, both parties are happier in their relationship for it.

But, there can be a downside.

“Women who succeed up the corporate ranks as senior executives or entrepreneurs with clout end up growing their egos along with their success,” says life coach and divorcee Debra Boulanger.

“The time on the road impinges on time at home, and power attracts power. That can be very alluring.”

Powerful women are nearly as likely as men to be unfaithful to their partners, according to research by Tilburg University. In fact, 15 percent of women admit to extramarital affairs compared to 20 percent of men.

The infidelity gap seems to be closing at the same rate as the wage gap.

Financial advisor Courtney Cook is the head of her household and has found financial independence to be an “extremely positive factor for our commitment and happiness.”

“The two main reasons marriages fail are sex and money,” says Cook. “Caring for our own financial needs takes care of half the battle.”

“If a relationship consists of two career-centric partners, the financial necessity of a partnership is lessened; but, more importantly, the time and flexibility required to maintain an emotionally fulfilling relationship becomes even more difficult to sustain.”

Did you your relationship sink when your career (and bank account) took off? 

Bonus PINK Link: Is your partner a full-time dad?

PINK Minute Mentor: Are you ready to retire? Ninety percent of those surveyed don’t think they are. Felicia Speetjens, SunTrust Investment Services, Inc., can help in today’s PINK Minute Mentor video.

By L. Nicole Williams

Nicole is the Editor at Little PINK Book. Follow her on Twitter @iamnicwill.

“Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but backwards and in high heels.” Faith Whittlesey

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