Single People: Ever jealous of couples that have two incomes?

[Gerania]

Originally Posted by TMBGBlueCanary

Overall, I think well matched couples have the advantage money-wise. The key is finding the right person to be a couple with. You have to look deep into character and shared values (especially financial values) to get the real two income advantage. Don't just go out there and find a fun person, a pretty face, someone who make $X a year, or whatever and marry... Because with the right person two incomes is far superior. But with the wrong person, two incomes isn't.

I wouldn't say I was jealous, although sometimes think it would be nice--basically the people who are saying your expenses don't double with two people are right for the various reasons they listed. And there is a better sense of security too. Right now, if get laid off... that's it. It's just me on my own. I saw that happen with my dad a lot and my mom was there, picking up the slack and working extra hours when he was between jobs. It's what got our family though tough times. Then when dad went back to work, the money came back and things got easier. But we were never desperate.

I've had a roommate now and then (rented a room in my house) and I can tell you first hand expenses didn't "double" at all as far as maintaining the house, buying food, etc. And I don't think couples have to give up a lot of freedom either. I suppose it depends on the couple--if you marry someone controlling and such, yeah, you lose freedom. So don't marry someone like that. Marry for the right reasons and the right person... marry a person with character, goals, values, and conviction similar to yours and not for superficial reasons like looks, money, status, or what you think they can give you and marriage will benefit you, not hinder you. I hope someone day to meet someone like that.

What you see isn't always what you get--or end up with. People change, and not always for the better.