By: Sophie Loghman September 21, 2009
The past few months have been filled with job losses, plummeting stocks and an increase in bankruptcy filings. These aren’t the dream conditions for heading to the altar.
More and more people are finding themselves either getting a divorce or wanting one, but can’t because of tough financial situations. According to an ING Direct survey, 29 percent of Americans say that the recession has “added stress,” “strained” or even “ruined their marriage or relationship.”
Recessions are no fun for anyone. This economy is affecting many, and with all the stress that comes with life in a recession, do we really need to be in serious relationships right now?
As the economy continues to plummet, the number of divorces is increasing. Job loss and decreasing incomes are associated with stress, divorce and conflicts in marriage. And although marriages are continuing to dwindle, loneliness is still lonely. People still want to date. So let’s face it- there’s no better time than to be single than now.
Brook Hardin, a junior at UGA, recently moved out of an apartment she shared with her then boyfriend. When asked to compare living expenses, she strongly urged people to reevaluate moving in with your significant other because there’s much more to consider than just which house to buy.
“Financially, it’s so much easier living alone than with my boyfriend,” Hardin said. “I’m really good with my money, but he just didn’t know how to manage his, so he would end up spending my money.”
Marriage is a serious commitment and the statement that getting married will lessen your financial troubles is not one to trust. Most people are getting married to combine salaries and increase their life savings, but is this the real result?
Mark Rosenberg, a stockbroker in Atlanta for United Bank of Switzerland, believes that marriage is an important decision and people shouldn’t rush into it to make money more available.
“Marriage has nothing to do with the economy,” Rosenberg said. “The economy will pick up in a little bit, but it won’t be like it used to be. It’s better to save your money for a few years and then get married.”
Although married couples receive tax benefits, are the benefits really worth it?
In an e-mail interview, UGA economics professor Jason Rudbeck notes that marriage could be costly if one spouse is forced to take a job in another location. Bad marriages also lead to more health problems and increased stress levels, he said.
“My personal opinion is that just because of a recession, people should not rush into marriage,” Rudbeck said.
And just remember, most people settle down after college, so this is our time to enjoy being single.
Many people are confused and ask, “Wouldn’t being in a relationship make me feel more secure?” Well, not necessarily. Learning to live on your own during this recession is a perfect way for you to gather a sense of self. People can grow their savings, work harder, build their resumes and have more opportunities to meet different groups of people.
Not all marriages are plummeting, though. Some students have been able to make it work, but not without some help from their parents.
Lisa Brörmann, a fifth year senior at UGA, has been married to her husband since 2008. Her husband found a suitable job that allows them to be independent. She does not feel that the economy has strained her relationship and jokes that the only hard part about getting married “depends on if you’re paying for your own wedding.”
Unlike the Brörmanns, older couples are finding ways to make it work. Jumping into sharing a one-bedroom apartment may not be idealistic for college graduates, but for the older crowd, this might prove to be beneficiary.
Anne Marie Parsons, a physical therapist, lived with her now husband for two years before they got married. Parsons, who was 26 when she moved in, didn’t have a job yet, but her boyfriend at the time did.
When asked to compare living alone and living with her now husband, Parsons actually saved more money when she shared a one bedroom.
“I think overall I saved more money living with him because rent was a big portion of things,” Parsons said.
She has not really felt the effects of the economy because of her steady, well paying job. She notes, however, that a lot of her family members are experiencing them.
So is right now is the time to date? According to ABC News, membership at eHarmony.com is up 20 percent and activity at OKCupid.com is up by 50 percent. So this means that singles are on the prowl.
Realistically, with school, homework, and jobs, who really has time for a serious relationship? A few casual dates are good here and there, and if you find yourself with spare time, there are many activities to do here in Athens to keep you feeling satisfied. Who knows, maybe you’ll even get lucky by finding someone to share these activities.
Simply walking around the coffee shops downtown will help you meet people. Also, start taking classes at the Ramsey Center. Ramsey offers various yoga, spinning and dancing classes that are sure to boost your spirits.
Athens is known for its great downtown shopping and music scene. Visit music venues like the 40 Watt Club, Caledonia Lounge and Rye Bar to have a fun-filled night of dancing and singing.
Whether you want to be married right out of college or be a single, independent person, each situation comes down to the individual.
More and more people are finding themselves either getting a divorce or wanting one, but can’t because of tough financial situations. According to an ING Direct survey, 29 percent of Americans say that the recession has “added stress,” “strained” or even “ruined their marriage or relationship.”
Recessions are no fun for anyone. This economy is affecting many, and with all the stress that comes with life in a recession, do we really need to be in serious relationships right now?
As the economy continues to plummet, the number of divorces is increasing. Job loss and decreasing incomes are associated with stress, divorce and conflicts in marriage. And although marriages are continuing to dwindle, loneliness is still lonely. People still want to date. So let’s face it- there’s no better time than to be single than now.
Brook Hardin, a junior at UGA, recently moved out of an apartment she shared with her then boyfriend. When asked to compare living expenses, she strongly urged people to reevaluate moving in with your significant other because there’s much more to consider than just which house to buy.
“Financially, it’s so much easier living alone than with my boyfriend,” Hardin said. “I’m really good with my money, but he just didn’t know how to manage his, so he would end up spending my money.”
Marriage is a serious commitment and the statement that getting married will lessen your financial troubles is not one to trust. Most people are getting married to combine salaries and increase their life savings, but is this the real result?
Mark Rosenberg, a stockbroker in Atlanta for United Bank of Switzerland, believes that marriage is an important decision and people shouldn’t rush into it to make money more available.
“Marriage has nothing to do with the economy,” Rosenberg said. “The economy will pick up in a little bit, but it won’t be like it used to be. It’s better to save your money for a few years and then get married.”
Although married couples receive tax benefits, are the benefits really worth it?
In an e-mail interview, UGA economics professor Jason Rudbeck notes that marriage could be costly if one spouse is forced to take a job in another location. Bad marriages also lead to more health problems and increased stress levels, he said.
“My personal opinion is that just because of a recession, people should not rush into marriage,” Rudbeck said.
And just remember, most people settle down after college, so this is our time to enjoy being single.
Many people are confused and ask, “Wouldn’t being in a relationship make me feel more secure?” Well, not necessarily. Learning to live on your own during this recession is a perfect way for you to gather a sense of self. People can grow their savings, work harder, build their resumes and have more opportunities to meet different groups of people.
Not all marriages are plummeting, though. Some students have been able to make it work, but not without some help from their parents.
Lisa Brörmann, a fifth year senior at UGA, has been married to her husband since 2008. Her husband found a suitable job that allows them to be independent. She does not feel that the economy has strained her relationship and jokes that the only hard part about getting married “depends on if you’re paying for your own wedding.”
Unlike the Brörmanns, older couples are finding ways to make it work. Jumping into sharing a one-bedroom apartment may not be idealistic for college graduates, but for the older crowd, this might prove to be beneficiary.
Anne Marie Parsons, a physical therapist, lived with her now husband for two years before they got married. Parsons, who was 26 when she moved in, didn’t have a job yet, but her boyfriend at the time did.
When asked to compare living alone and living with her now husband, Parsons actually saved more money when she shared a one bedroom.
“I think overall I saved more money living with him because rent was a big portion of things,” Parsons said.
She has not really felt the effects of the economy because of her steady, well paying job. She notes, however, that a lot of her family members are experiencing them.
So is right now is the time to date? According to ABC News, membership at eHarmony.com is up 20 percent and activity at OKCupid.com is up by 50 percent. So this means that singles are on the prowl.
Realistically, with school, homework, and jobs, who really has time for a serious relationship? A few casual dates are good here and there, and if you find yourself with spare time, there are many activities to do here in Athens to keep you feeling satisfied. Who knows, maybe you’ll even get lucky by finding someone to share these activities.
Simply walking around the coffee shops downtown will help you meet people. Also, start taking classes at the Ramsey Center. Ramsey offers various yoga, spinning and dancing classes that are sure to boost your spirits.
Athens is known for its great downtown shopping and music scene. Visit music venues like the 40 Watt Club, Caledonia Lounge and Rye Bar to have a fun-filled night of dancing and singing.
Whether you want to be married right out of college or be a single, independent person, each situation comes down to the individual.
Sophie,
ReplyDeleteYou have a strong voice, which really shines through in this piece. The only problem, as we discussed, is that on occasion it shines through a bit too much. In other words, at times, you come precariously close to editorializing. Keep this in mind in reporting your future stories. That said, the piece is well-reported and well-written. Keep up the good work. One more thing, please add a cutline for your photo. Thanks, Amber