From a financial standpoint, there are several advantages to being married: a couple’s combined income can provide greater security against unexpected events and also make it possible to share the costs of more expensive investments, such as buying a home. But could there be any financial advantage to remaining single?
Of course there is! Many married people probably already know the answer, since they feel the additional expenses “firsthand” (and in their wallets). But some single people may still not have “had the realization” … so, let’s look at the advantages
1. Faster and more straightforward financial planning
Couples’ lives require certain agreements and joint commitments, after all, the two people’s opinions and goals (whether future or immediate) do not always align. For example, one person may want to save a lot to buy a house while the other prioritizes traveling and seeing the world.
Reaching a consensus on what the couple’s Financial Plan will be requires a lot of discussion and “negotiation.” This entire process is important and healthy … but it will also consume a considerable amount of everyone’s time.
Single people have the great privilege of deciding for themselves! They can certainly seek out different opinions, but the entire process is much faster.
2. Cheaper trips
Traveling in a group or with someone is usually much better than traveling alone. The problem with a couple’s trip is the need to “synchronize schedules”: both people have to take vacation at the same time. And let’s not even discuss the scenario with children, because then the trip can only happen during school vacations, in other words, during the peak season.
This restriction can make airfare and hotels more expensive. So take advantage while you still have the chance to decide to travel at the last minute, on a Tuesday afternoon, after getting time off from work!
3. Less concern about a spouse’s financial behavior
Just as your partner can help with household bills, he or she can also make the situation much worse. If one of the two gets into debt, the person who is more financially balanced will very likely have to help the less financially balanced person with their savings.
This is a concern that single people do not have.
4. Lower meal expenses
It is amazing how single people can get by on simple, inexpensive food. Nothing elaborate is necessary; you can even eat the same type of food for several days in a row, and it will not be the end of the world (at least for most people).
This seems to change with marriage. Meals, especially dinner, become a more social and important occasion, requiring a certain level of quality! And this will lead to higher expenses … but at least you will eat better.
