In 1981, women earned more in 16 percent of families. The Prudential survey found that 48 percent of women think that, if divorced, they should pay alimony if they earn more than their former husbands, while 58 percent of men want to see well-paid women pay alimony. This is an idea right out of one of Olivia Mellan's favorite stage shows, Rob Becker's Defending the Caveman . It's no secret that men usually prefer to spend money on cars and stereos while women are drawn to clothing and home fashions. Blame it on how boys and girls are raised.
Men feel that if they buy a car, they'll make money on the car.
If they buy a house, they'll write off the interest. It makes more sense, because men are more linear. When women spend money on clothes and makeup and hair, men view it as a complete waste, because it's not coming back. When James takes his family on vacation, they always travel first-class. I have clients whose houses are falling down around them, and the men are saying, 'I could build those bookcases.