Report: Growing number of women out-earning husbands

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Tuesday, April 21, 2015
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WASHINGTON (WABC) -- Who makes more money, you or your spouse? That simple question can be a grenade in a relationship.



The number of women outearning their husbands is on the rise, with a White House report showing that in 2013, 24 percent of working women earned more than their husbands.



In 1970, that number was 7 percent.



One reason for the dramatic shift has been a surge in education levels among women.



But differences in income can lead to a power struggle in a relationship, as the person with a bigger paycheck often has more control over the household.



Money is often cited as a leading cause of divorce.



And when a woman out-earns her male partner, there are questions about how to handle financial problems caused during unpaid maternity leave.



Heed some common financial advice if income inequality is a problem for you: Do some research, make financial plans and then use those to avoid potential conflict.

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