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In the Bates household money is a joint decision. Julie does most of the bill paying.
"I do really well with the daily finances," says Julie. Her husband Jay handles the long-term goals.
"My gifts are looking at the big picture," says Jay.
Their partnership exists beyond just the household. The Bates are co-owners of their own babysitting company, Seeking Sitters.
"We have a great partnership, because our strengths and weaknesses really balance well," says Julie.
This kind of shared financial responsibility is becoming more typical, says Lynette Khalfani-Cox, a personal finance coach.
"We're a lot more engaged in household money matters," says Khalfani-Cox.
In a survey by Prudential Financial 84 percent of married women said they're either fully responsible or jointly responsible for managing the household finances.
"I think a lot of women want to take the helm," says Khalfani-Cox. "They're passionate, they're interested."
And they're more willing to talk about this passion. 60 percent of those surveyed say they discuss financial advice with their family and friends.
"Certainly as women we don't want to wake up at 55 and say 'Oh my gosh, I'm divorced or my spouse has passed away, or I haven't saved'."
That's the area where there's still room for growth. A majority of women surveyed, two-thirds, report they have no long-term financial plan. For those under age 35 that number jumps to 90 percent.
"We've got kids, social obligations, civic duties etcetera, and all too often we let everything that's necessary in the here and now prevent us from doing what's necessary in the future," says Khalfani-Cox.
Many women say they just don't understand important investment options like stocks, mutual funds and annuities.
"Obviously if you don't have a clear grasp of some of those products that can help you to secure a long-term safe retirement then you're not going to take some of those financial steps."
If the stereotypes are true women are more likely to pull over and ask for directions while on the road. Experts say when it comes to money, do the same.
The Bates like to tackle most of the responsibilities on their own, but aren't afraid to turn to outside sources.
"We've had some informal consultations with some professionals, especially looking at things like when we started school for the kids," says Julie. "Then we've read a lot of different books about your debt management and how to get things paid off, so I definitely think that's beneficial."
It's beneficial for the whole family.
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