Smart Girls Marry Money: How Women Have Been Duped Into the Romantic Dream--And How They're Paying For It

by Elizabeth Ford, Daniela Drake

Why does society applaud a girl who falls for a guy’s �big blue eyes” yet denounces one who chooses a man with a �big green bankroll”? After all, isn’t earning power more a reflection of a man’s values and character? Smart Girls Marry Money challenges the ideals and assumptions women have blindly accepted about love and marriage—and shows how they’ve done so at their own economic peril. In this brazen manifesto, authors Elizabeth Ford and Daniela Drake use cold hard facts, real science, and true stories to present a compelling case for why mercenary marriages make the most sense for future happiness.Smart Girls taps into a growing, collective suspicion that the post-feminist world isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Female �empowerment” has women working hard to look sexier than ever, while carrying more than their fair share financially. Yet sadly, statistics prove that: not only do women continue to earn far less than their male counterparts, they also suffer far more economically when marriages fail. Ford and Drake think it’s high time that women get their heads out of the clouds and start caring about their own security—the kind that can be measured in dollars and common sense. With an irreverent, straight-talk tone, the authors serve up a sound case and intriguing strategy for how women can truly �have it all.” Sure to spark conversation and controversy, Smart Girls Marry Money will ultimately empower women with a new way to take control of both their economic and romantic lives.

Genres: Nonfiction, Relationships, Self Help, Money

240 pages, Hardcover

First published April 11, 2009

Reviews

[Dina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smart girls marry providers and protectors, not losers. If more women followed this advice maybe we'd have less broken families and children raised by single women.

[AMiranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every woman especially teens and young adults should read this. Its definitely a refreshing take to the feminist mindset. Although I wouldn't take this message as the holy grail, it is definitely something to consider when finding a date or mate. The authors provide a compelling non-shallow argument for taking up the gold-digging initiative.

I wish I had read this when I was a teen and used to go after the low quality men (financial and overall). If I had read this book I could have better insight on finding a guy that would at least pay his share of child support making my life a whole heck of a lot easier. Every woman who would like to spare her financial suffering in these tough economic times when jobs are few, give this book a go!

[Jess Glauser · Rating 3 out of 5]

Women who get upset by this book are not looking at it properly. After all, it is entitled "Smart Girls Marry Money," and you have to be smart to really get it. I steered clear of boys for a long time because I wanted to make something of myself without letting a guy make me feel like I was wrong for wanting more from life than what I was born into. So if you don't have an appropriate background, you won't get it. It does make practical points for looking for a guy with a brain and not just looks. I see it as a book that empowers women to look past superficial characteristics. Women have a say in their futures, they should be smart about the choices they make.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, here is a book that will spark some controversy in your book reading group. This made me laugh and also made me a bit angry. The authors make a lot of good points, but you be the judge. There is a lot of food for thought here. A must read for all women of all ages.

[Pearl · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It is as easy to fall in love with a rich man as it is a poor man.” Why women should get fiscally strategic with whom they sign civil documents.

[Chris · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book felt like a sociology class project gone wrong. While it is well documented that divorced women generally find themselves on the losing end of the economic scale, the premise of gold-digging as a means to financial security just didn't fly for me. It seemed that every chapter defined what not to do in a marriage, but never actually got to the point of saying, "This is the best way to go about protecting yourself financially within your marriage." The attempt to use profanity and slang to make the subject matter lighter also did nothing to support the theory.

[Ferns · Rating 3 out of 5]

I of course purchased this book for its scandalous title but unfortunately, it didn't really offer me anything new. The main takeaway is pretty obvious and should be common sense for most women: don't simply marry for love. I give it a generous three stars for its humor and take away two for the lack of that "oomph" I was looking for and the unnecessary incorporation of the "Nastie" side of feminism which I am not too keen on.

[Fallon · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the one hand, this book enraged me, but on the other hand I have to give it props for making me continue to read it. But holy crap, this book is sending women a crappy message.

[Stacy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting premise that makes you think, but it's a bit viscous in it's view on life and love.

[Joyceline MK · Rating 1 out of 5]

Totally not what I expected.

[kaydeekai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changer. It not only shows the importance for women to not marry solely based on love but demonstrates how dangerous falling in love can be, you loose all inhibitions and make life altering decisions. In the end women loose because they cannot think as logically as their unapologetic counterparts. They are mislead by society, “dusties” who want you to fail, and other women who are too afraid to chase after their best life, who want to put you down for having standards. Those standards can save your life and give your offspring (if you choose) a better life than your own. I can’t see why any woman who want the best for herself could possibly dislike it. Hands down The best self improvement book I’ve ever read. I almost feel bad I was able to read from a free pdf wish I could support it more

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely didn’t agree with everything in this book, but I’m glad I read it. Although a bit outdated, I was shocked by some of the statistics on marriage. Would recommend to those who like reading nonfiction material on love and marriage and want to see things from a different perspective. Walking away from this book with a few gems, as well as some good talking points.

[Emily · Rating 1 out of 5]

Its starts off somewhat amusing. I concede that they make a few good points. The end message though, is that the glass ceiling exists so why bother trying to be successful. If you are only looking for tips/justification on how to marry a rich guy you may like this book.

[Ruka]

thought it would be all about gold digging but surprisingly was more about women improving their lives: education and financial advice, towards the end anyway. i didnt expect the book to criticise books on gold digging

[Aoife · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very funny, entertaining and eye opening read.

[m · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought this book was awful.

[Tyler Grant, MSW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting. Thought-provoking analysis of research on how marriage and money have affected women in (recent) history.

[Marilia M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had some good points but it felt a little offensive and demeaning at parts. Also it felt like they kept making the same point again and again

[Fairy Godmother · Rating 1 out of 5]

Weak. No new info for those who have already been burnt by "love" and learned to choose the smart path.

[Mai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some great comedic relief, though more of social commentary on how feminism has created a lose-lose scenario for working women who are told they can have it all than the title has suggested

[Casee Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my faves don’t be a man’s fluffer ladies.

[Amy Keeley · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an okay book. Up until about chapter 17, they make some decent points. Sometimes they make some fantastic points (the chapter on women and anger in the workplace is especially good). However, the authors begin to lose their focus after 17. They start rambling on topics that seem unrelated to their initial point until they sound like sweet Aunt Tillie who kind of trails off after an exciting story of her romantic flirtation with a handsome sailor "back in the day", muttering something about feeding the cat. You want to shake her and demand to know what happened to her and the sailor.

It's a funny book. It's definitely a cynical book. If the authors had made a stronger point in the last portion of the book instead of going off on unrelated tangents, never tying it in to the main point, I would have given it three stars.

That said, if you want a good look at where women currently are in the workplace, I think this book shows that very well. The glass ceiling is as strong as before, men would still rather have men working alongside them, women lose much of their femininity in the working world thus losing part of themselves, and our very biology disqualifies us for success at the role of the provider (unless we're rich and can afford the quality childcare money can provide). It's depressing, but it matches reality.

Does marrying money solve the problem? I tend to doubt it, given the way life can go. And unfortunately, the authors don't give me much hope by the end that marrying money solves much of anything.

[Kleiner · Rating 3 out of 5]

According to Ford and Drake, Smart Girls Marry Money is meant to be funny, catty, and a good read. The authors argue against marrying only for love, urging women to consider their suitors’ financial stability as a means of protecting their own financial security. While the author’s approach is irreverent, and even crass at times, at the core of their argument is some sound advice. When considering marriage, love is but one factor among many. The ability, and willingness, to provide for a family should also be considered.

The author’s argument is supported by a variety of studies. It is common knowledge that despite the increasing number of highly-educated women, women still do not earn as much as men; women are still disproportionately represented at the executive level; and women still bear most of the burden of child-rearing. Ford and Drake urge women to use all of their assets – sexual prowess and intelligence – to be successful in their careers and their marriages.

Divorce is a leading cause of poverty among women, so maybe Ford and Drake have a place in the relationship aisle. While their approach could be classier, Smart Girls Marry Money is simply a reminder that we cannot live on love alone.

[tawnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this up because the title/concept seemed a little ridiculous, so I wanted to challenge myself to read something different. Then I realized I already agree with a lot of the ideas presented in the book. The authors are simply trying to say that applying some practicality in choosing your life partner will go a long way toward your future financial stability and happiness. But I honestly don't know how well this book would convince someone who was against the ideas presented. The stories were amusing and it was an easy, quick read, but the book seemed to meander at times.

I did take issue with the section on salary discrepancies between men and women. While I understand the book is focused on decisions regarding marriage and isn't trying to help you fix your career, it bothered me that absolutely no mention was made of the factors that play into this problem (check out Women Don't Ask instead).

[Brandy Rivers · Rating 2 out of 5]

SMART GIRLS MARRY MONEY is a disillusioned account which reminds women that we are still the weaker gender. We make less money, and still need men in order to live a financially stable life. This book and others like it are 100% of the reason that women have not completely evolved into equals.

Women should keep their interests, rather than dropping everything in order to become everything that their man wants. Money doesn't buy anything except complications. As a society, we should figure out a way to make romantic love work, rather than consider our monetary interests... after all, our existance is about our lives, not our possessions.

The writing is mildy entertaining, and manages to be slightly witty, however, due to the overall concept I would absolutely not recommend this book.

[Genevieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I agree 100%. Sound advice for the thinking woman trying to navigate her way through the unequal world we live in today. While I do think their attitudes towards both men and women are very extreme (i.e. men as money objects, women as sex objects), and there overall faith in the institution of marriage is non-existent, I think the bottom line is worth considering. Be warned: the women are both divorced and do come across as the stereotypical (albeit educated and wise) divorcees.

[johhh · Rating 3 out of 5]

11/21/14 Learned a few things from this. I believe you have to be in a certain frame of mind to truly absorb the teachings of this book. It's certainly a must-read for young women everywhere. This book plus Sheryl Sandberg's Lean In are a dynamic duo. Yes, different but they go hand in hand. Women need to take control of their financial future and that is what I am going to start doing from today!

10/24/17 One word: hilarious!

[Arielle DaCosta · Rating 5 out of 5]

she just makes such an outstanding case for why love is not a good reason to marry, and why marriage as an institution needs to be used mainly for financial purposes because of the terrible state in which women are forced to live and work. excellent. so convincing, even for the romantic notions that swirl around my heart....

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obviously just because you read a book doesn't mean you have to follow the advice. We would be following a lot of advice then. I think the book title is Kinda Mis-Titled. Don't judge a book by it's cover definitely. I think the book is very knowledgable. Makes the mind think. And that's what counts.