Many women are choosing to tie the knot later in life today. In order to establish their careers, they may choose to postpone marriage and raise a family till later in life. Women of previous generations found financial security in marriage but today, fewer women marry for this reason. They value a quality marriage because they have their own means of financial support. While holding off on marriage is not the right decision for everyone, there are certain benefits that come with marrying late.
The ability to earn more
For college-educated women, getting married later can literally pay off. By finishing school and getting their career established, they’re investing in themselves. The return on this investment can be significant. Those who finish college and get married later often earn significantly more than women who marry in their teens or twenties. They can work in much higher, more advanced positions where they earn high salaries. This gives them financial security and a chance to fulfill their ambitions.
The fact that women choose to have children later may mean they have a problem conceiving. Some may even choose to delay pregnancy until they are 40 or over. Pregnancy is still possible at this age, whether naturally or assisted by IVF. Women over 40 who use IVF stand a good chance of success if they use donor eggs. For women wanting to find an egg donor bank, IVF Authority gives advice on the top banks and agencies in the U.S. that work with live egg donors.
A lower chance of divorce
Delaying marriage has helped to reduce the U.S. divorce rate. Research shows that the older couples are when they get married, the more financially secure and mature they are – two factors that translate into a lower divorce risk.
Getting married and having children requires a great deal of commitment in time and money. When these commitments aren’t there, a woman can focus solely on what’s in her best interests.
When she eventually gets married, a career woman usually exercises greater selectivity when choosing a partner. Her spouse will generally be supportive of her career and help equally with parenting duties. She often also displays greater flexibility when sharing the benefits of marriage with her partner. It is easier for two-earner families to be more resistant when facing economic troubles.
Take more career risks
A woman who delays marriage can choose to take more career risks because she only has to consider herself. When she has to take her spouse and children into account, she is more likely to play it safe. She won’t want to risk making her family suffer because she has been aggressive in pursuing success. Establishing a successful career often involves working lengthy hours, which can be very difficult when children are in the picture.
Pay off student debt and save
Getting married later in life means women can usually enter marriage free of debt and with some savings. Paying off student loans can take as long as ten years. Saving enough money before marriage can go a long way towards things like buying a home. Long-term unemployment is one of the risk factors for divorce and being financially stable puts less pressure on the relationship.
Gain maturity
With maturity comes more clarity and wisdom. When women take some time to find out who they really are and what they want out of life, it usually makes for a better marriage. The more secure women are in their careers, the more they can take the responsibilities of homeownership and parenthood in their stride.