This weekend I saw an article online titled, "The Upside to Being Single in a Recession" and I absolutely had to click on it because, well, I wanted to see how I was coming out ahead in our economic crisis.
And, with no disrespect, it has to be the most ridiculous article I've read in a while.
Want to know how singletons finally have the upperhand against couples? Here's a few examples:
- Not having to pay a "marriage penalty" tax (actually this is a valid point)
- More flexibility to take a second job because we don't have to carpool kids to practices
- Don't have to go Dutch on "date night." We're not married so the guys can pay
- Can move back in with our parents if money is tight
- Save on life insurance payments since we "don't have a spouse or children to care for after an untimely demise." So how should I use this saved money? Well the author says it can buy a lot of mani-pedis
And along with the reminder that money is the major reason most marriages dissolve, the author's perils of wisdom include, "divorce is expensive." Yes, I come from a divorced family, I know that.
Finally, the author also mentions Ruth Madoff (wife of investor and Ponzi scheme mastermind Bernie Madoff) as an example as to why it's good to be single. Why you ask? Because if our spouse goes bankrupt, or steals billions of dollars from innocent investors, our money becomes vulnerable.
I will make sure not to date or marry a thief, although stealing is a sign of dedication.
Now, I'm not saying the principle of the article is wrong but I have a little trouble with her examples to support her "point." Basically because I think she's pulling some of them out of her a**.
Despite these fundamental flaws, I have to admit, the article's pictures are awesome. There are images of women acting carefree by swinging their shopping bags happily in the air, basking in the fact that they have fewer responsibilities and can say "screw you!" to their coupled friends. Quite a Mary Tyler Moore-inspired idea.
So I might be taking this a little far, but I just had to write about it because I found it too hilarious.
Let me know what you think and if I'm at all off base. And I know a lot of us have cut back on expenses and/or have things that are "recession proof," so I guess my question for tonight is, if you've cut back on things, what are you looking forward to "splurging on again" or what is your "recession proof" treat? Mine: cable television. I love it and won't give it up, actually that and dyeing my hair.
Reader note: Thank you everyone for the awesome comments on yesterday's bra shopping post. I also have a lot of trouble finding pants that fit. I need a short or petite length but not short enough where it's too short or is long enough that needs to be hemmed. Oh and my "birthing hips" make it hard to find nicely fitting pants too.
23 comments:
i like the fact that i'm with someone during this recession.
if i were single and were to lose my job i'd have to give up everything (my furniture, etc), have a huge mark against my credit report and move back in with my father.
the fact that i am with someone helps to eleviate that pressure. altho we would have to cut back on somethings until i got a new job (or vise versa if he were to lose his job) atleast i'm secure that I wont have to depend on my parents.
having a partner in times like these makes it all so much better. granted, if i were single i would definatly be freaking out more than ever right now.
Hmm. You can move in with your parents even if you are married. My husband just got laid off and we are moving in with the parents for awhile. Thankfully my parents are awesome, have cable TV and a cleaning lady!
the IDEAS themselves are pretty enjoyable, I'd love to swing shopping bags and spend my evenings laughing with my girlfriends at our favorite bars.:P
I don't care how bad the economy gets, I WILL splurge on Paul Newman's Ranch dressing. I'll buy it with food stamps if I have to!
I skimmed the article and get her overall premise. Married with kids does tie you down with additional expenses and that can be scary when faced with a potential cut to income.
But, what can also be scary is being single and therefore forced to be the sole breadwinner. I'm not lying, there are days when I wish my boyfriend and I were married just so I didn't have to worry (as much) about what I'd do about health insurance if I got laid off. Or what I'd do about bills in general, really. Because moving in with parents? Is not exciting. At all.
NETFLIX NETFLIX NETFLIX. i will never, ever cancel the $16.94 that gets deducted from my checking account every month. i get 3 dvds at a time and as many as i effing want. it's god's gift to television and movie junkies like myself.
I'm kinda tired of all these "it's good to be single during the recession" articles. Please. I'll give you that there isn't the responsibility of kids and all that. But if you're single then the buck stops with you. There isn't anyone to help you out if things take a turn for the worst. Again, please. It's hard on marrieds and singles. Can't we all just agree with that?
I haven't stopped with my product junkie ways with my hair. I can't wait to buy $15+ on a single book again. I love the library but sometimes you really want to buy that new hardback everyone's been talking about.
I think it depends- If you lose your job and don't have parents you can move in with, you're more vulnerable as a singleton. But then if you're married you have to worry about two people's jobs, and it must be so much worse if you both lose them.
my recession proof treat is bellydance classes and workshops. They keep me fit, they're great for socializing and I just love to dance.
I must have missed that marriage penalty tax. Because I did our taxes the other weekend. And we filed jointly. And I'm pretty sure we came out exactly the same as if we had filed as singles. But, I think the level of your income determines those kinds of penalties and I'm pretty sure we fall under the bar when it comes to that.
I'll have to say, I like the article. I enjoy that she's finding positives in a not so positive situation. Of course the economy creates stress for all of us - but what things can we celebrate about our individual situation? We should all do that a bit more often!
I think someone (aka the author of that piece) is just trying to make herself feel better cause yeah...Recessions suck no matter your dating/marital status. And plus, I think it'd be harder to be a guy in recession and have to pay for two people on a date...
There's a marriage penalty tax?
Hm, I'm not sure I have a recession proof anything. Does food count? 'Cause I don't skimp on food in any case. I'm going on vacation to Mississippi in two weeks, I'm excited about that.
That's all I got.
i've cut back by canceling my gym membership and using my wii fit and buying store brand stuff, it actually isn't too bad. as for splurging, yeah my tv isn't going anywhere. i need my cable and dvr, haha.
Did you find this article on the MSN home page? I am CONSTANTLY sucked into clicking on those articles! I think recessions suck for everyone, regardless.
Is it sad that having aboyfriend gets me through the recession. I dont have to pay for meals, and I save on taxis by being all woe is me drunk and havign him pick me up from the bars. Its worked so far.
oh, this made ma laugh. She is totally just making this BS up.
And my recession proof treat...I'm with you! Cable. Or more specifically HD, DVR, HBO, high speed internet. =)
Hi there! First time commenting... we're actually thinking of adding or switching cable subscriptions to get more channels. The money we spend on the TV/Cable bill is more economical than going to the movies frequently.
I actually find that article almost offensive. Did they ever stop to think that having someone to split the bills with might be helpful??
Hey,
I just came across your blog (quite randomly and while i am unabashedly procrastinating at work) and just want to say how much I love it (esp. as a fellow broke-ass Chicago singleton).
Let's cheers to all that money we're saving on 'life insurance,' eh?
I don't think you're off at all - those are some pretty thin arguments! I've cut back on going out to eat and impulse clothing purchases, but I too refuse to skimp on cable television and gettin' ma hair did.
Priorities.
aahah pretty funny. I really don't think it matters all that much. the quality of your relationship is the important factor, not the economic climate of a recession.
this is a funny site though.
www.screwyourecession.ca
you can assure that is a great adventage be single on this times, is a bit sad to be alone for this situations, but in the moment this end, is time to hunt some! hail to the king baby!
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