The founder of the financial planning company for women says that more than ever, women are starting businesses and becoming financially independent. And now, they need to know how to protect themselves if they make more money than their fiancés.
Alexa von Tobel (center) with Marie Claire editor Joanna Coles (left) and Ruth's Chris Senior Vice President & Chief Branding Officer Cheryl Henry (right).
Source: Matthew Carasella Photography
Women control 83 percent of the spending in American households, LearnVest founder Alexis von Tobel pointed out last night in a conversation with Marie Claire editor-in-chief Joanna Coles at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in Manhattan, and they hold 60 percent of the country's overall wealth. They're also starting business more than ever before — women now own 30 percent of small businesses, and the the number of women-owned businesses has increased 44 percent since 1997. But while women have more financial power than ever, that also means they have more to lose.
Von Tobel is getting married this year. When the topic of prenups came up, she said she's not getting one, since she and her fiancé make roughly the same amount of money. But, she said, for couples with wide financial disparities, prenups can be a great idea. And Coles pointed out that increasingly, the partner making significantly more money is likely to be a woman.
Source: AntonioDiaz / via: shutterstock.com
