A lot of people assume that when women prefer a man with financial stability, it’s because they want to be "princesses" who get spoiled. But many men seem to underestimate just how crucial money is when it comes to starting and raising a family—especially considering how much pregnancy and motherhood impact a woman’s career and earning potential.

I’m having my first child, and my husband and I weren’t prepared for how physically demanding pregnancy would be. Despite earning a six-figure salary, I’ve realized how difficult it will be for both of us to maintain demanding careers after our baby is born. Even when our child starts school—five years from now—one of us will still need to have more flexibility, since school days end at 2 p.m., far earlier than most corporate jobs.

Housing is outrageously expensive, childcare is costly, and taking time off for pregnancy and child-rearing can completely derail a woman’s career trajectory. Given all this, how is it shallow for a woman who wants a family to prioritize a partner who is financially stable and willing to provide? Women are consistently critisized for wanting men who make above 'six figures' and while I don't agree that there should be a set income threshold, the reality is that housing, food, and everything else are becoming extremely expensive.