Money Versus Beauty

Today I am going to have a look at money versus beauty.

A man’s money? A woman’s beauty? Which is more important in a relationship? It’s the money vs beauty debate. Let’s go!

I was inspired to think about this money versus beauty debate after a conversation that recently took place at a dinner party.

My friends told me of a particular New York Craigslist post the other night that I had not seen.

In the post, a “spectacularly beautiful” woman requests a man who earns greater than $500,000 a year.

A man responds to her that her beauty is a “depreciating asset” while his money will continue to grow.  His response garnered much attention.

I searched the Internet to find this post and bring it those of you who have not seen it.

Without further ado, I bring you the spectacularly beautiful women who wants a rich man and the man who views her, at best, as someone to date in the short term.   You can read my thoughts below.

Craigslist: Post from Woman Who Wants a Rich Man

What am I doing wrong?

Okay, I’m tired of beating around the bush. I’m a beautiful (spectacularly beautiful) 25 year old girl. I’m articulate and classy. I’m not from New York. I’m looking to get married to a guy who makes at least half a million a year. I know how that sounds, but keep in mind that a million a year is middle class in New York City, so I don’t think I’m overreaching at all.

Are there any guys who make 500K or more on this board? Any wives? Could you send me some tips? I dated a business man who makes average around 200 – 250. But that’s where I seem to hit a roadblock. 250,000 won’t get me to central park west. I know a woman in my yoga class who was married to an investment banker and lives in Tribeca, and she’s not as pretty as I am, nor is she a great genius. So what is she doing right? How do I get to her level?

Here are my questions specifically:

– Where do you single rich men hang out? Give me specifics- bars, restaurants, gyms

-What are you looking for in a mate? Be honest guys, you won’t hurt my feelings

-Is there an age range I should be targeting (I’m 25)?

– Why are some of the women living lavish lifestyles on the upper east side so plain? I’ve seen really ‘plain jane’ boring types who have nothing to offer married to incredibly wealthy guys. I’ve seen drop dead gorgeous girls in singles bars in the east village. What’s the story there?

– Jobs I should look out for? Everyone knows – lawyer, investment banker, doctor. How much do those guys really make? And where do they hang out? Where do the hedge fund guys hang out?

– How you decide marriage vs. just a girlfriend? I am looking for MARRIAGE ONLY

Please hold your insults – I’m putting myself out there in an honest way. Most beautiful women are superficial; at least I’m being up front about it. I wouldn’t be searching for these kind of guys if I wasn’t able to match them – in looks, culture, sophistication, and keeping a nice home and hearth.

The Rich Man’s Response

I read your posting with great interest and have thought meaningfully about your dilemma. I offer the following analysis of your predicament. Firstly, I’m not wasting your time, I qualify as a guy who fits your bill; that is I make more than $500K per year. That said here’s how I see it.

Your offer, from the prospective of a guy like me, is plain and simple a crappy business deal. Here’s why. Cutting through all the B.S., what you suggest is a simple trade: you bring your looks to the party and I bring my money. Fine, simple. But here’s the rub, your looks will fade and my money will likely continue into perpetuity…in fact, it is very likely that my income increases but it is an absolute certainty that you won’t be getting any more beautiful!

So, in economic terms you are a depreciating asset and I am an earning asset. Not only are you a depreciating asset, your depreciation accelerates! Let me explain, you’re 25 now and will likely stay pretty hot for the next 5 years, but less so each year. Then the fade begins in earnest. By 35 stick a fork in you!

So in Wall Street terms, we would call you a trading position, not a buy and hold…hence the rub…marriage. It doesn’t make good business sense to “buy you” (which is what you’re asking) so I’d rather lease. In case you think I’m being cruel, I would say the following. If my money were to go away, so would you, so when your beauty fades I need an out. It’s as simple as that. So a deal that makes sense is dating, not marriage.

Separately, I was taught early in my career about efficient markets. So, I wonder why a girl as “articulate, classy and spectacularly beautiful” as you has been unable to find your sugar daddy. I find it hard to believe that if you are as gorgeous as you say you are that the $500K hasn’t found you, if not only for a tryout.

By the way, you could always find a way to make your own money and then we wouldn’t need to have this difficult conversation.

With all that said, I must say you’re going about it the right way. Classic “pump and dump.”

I hope this is helpful, and if you want to enter into some sort of lease, let me know.

Money Versus Beauty:  The Certain Loser

The exchange between these two highlights a classic standoff:  money versus beauty;  Specifically, a man’s money versus a women’s beauty.

Many would label the woman below a gold-digger, as she has in essence set a price for herself.  By setting a price, one might justifiably say that she has all the characteristics of a prostitute.

Her argument is essentially:  Is it wrong for a woman to want a certain quality of life?  We must acknowledge though, in her post, that she is gaining this quality of life off of the sweat of his back.

In the man’s response, many might say he is being rude.  However, consider his most poignant statement:  “If my money were to go away, so would you, so when your beauty fades I need an out.”  Does this not make perfect sense?

The reason for the popularity of this post is because it perfectly presents what many would say is a societal injustice.  A man will likely earn more money, and many would even say even get more attractive (or more dignified looking) as he ages.  A women may earn more money but her youthful beauty will fade.  As the man above expresses, she becomes a depreciating asset.

We see it everywhere:  Men trading in their older wives for young trophy wives.

The woman in this Craigslist post will surely end up with a man who will dump her after she reaches a certain age.  (However, I would not be surprised if she got a man because of this article.)  She lists her beauty as her main asset and, when that’s gone, her hubby will trade her in for the new model.  However, there is a bright side for her…she’ll probably get rich in the process.

Money Versus Beauty:  The Conclusion

If you’re considering money versus beauty in the context of any relationship, there is one certain loser, which is neither money nor beauty;  it’s the relationship!