Moolah wise girls!

Author Daniela Drake’s book Smart Girls Marry Money is a guide to how women should marry for money rather than love. Huh? Are you taken back in time when grandmas used to advise their daughters about the same? She argues that despite all the sacrifices women have made they are still a small number in the corporate scene. Equality is coming at a glacial place, so till then marry the money, she advices!

Socialite Ayesha Thapar trashes the theory saying that all relationships have their ups and downs and money should not be a criteria for marrying. “In recession you could be having the best time of your life. And in a boom, you maybe down in the dumps. That’s the journey of life. It’s more of a principle call for each woman. What matters is who the person is.”

Lifestyle Therapist Dr Preeti Sethi feels this will not work in the long run. “You should find a partner who matches your own personality and temperament. Maybe a bit of your own culture also. Someone who is accepting of whatever background and culture you come from is also a plus. In turn, if the person is doing well, and other prerequisites are being met, then it is not a bad idea. Marrying someone who is rich is not a crime. At the same time to marry only for money will not work in the long run,” she says. Actress and socialite Madhoo also concurs with her when she says, “There’s nothing wrong in marrying a rich guy. But marriage is not a business deal. You dont get married to get secure. Money can’t buy you everything in life though you can’t live on love and fresh air either!”

But is it easy to keep the romance alive when you have huge bills to pay and maybe also a pink slip in the offing? In times of recession, isn’t it wise for women to look to the future rather than a short term love affair? Says actor Ramya, “For me it has always been love. I don’t think money should be the criteria for anybody to get married. In these days, everyone is so independent, that I don’t see the reason why you should marry someone for money. Recession doesn’t have to be a love crunch!” Dr Preeti reiterates her point and says, “Stereotypes of women feeling secure with a moneyed man is not valid anymore. An equal number of women are working. There are a lot of households where women are contributing more than the men.” She also adds that a woman’s psychological health is much better when she’s working rather than staying at home.

Another actor Sadiya Siddiqui is also of the opinion that love conquers all. “It’s always been love and understanding for me,” she says.

Recession or no recession, every person’s story is their own. Daniella concludes by encouraging women to reach for the stars but “to cover all your bases, marry a man with money!”