title taken from “Money” by Olatunji

His Money vs. Her Money

Gold Diggers and Sugar Daddies are reeling at the news that Bill and Melinda Gates are getting divorced. Bill Gates is ranked #4 on Forbes’ list of the wealthiest people. His estimated net worth is $130 Billion and that has people speculating about how the money will be divided.

Although we don’t have real information as to what led to the billionaire divorce, new outlets speculate that the two have been unhappy for years and stayed together for the sake of their children. Now that their youngest child is eighteen, they are free to go their separate ways.

You know I’m all about the comments section and I’m seeing an interesting trend. While news outlets used phrases like “The couple did not reveal how they will divide their mega fortune,” many in the public refer to the wealth as his money. In marriages that are true partnerships, this is a flawed phrase.

As an independent Marketing Consultant, I work with entrepreneurs who struggle to build their brands. Some are just starting out and some are launching second or third businesses. One thing they have in common is the need for a support network. For those who don't know, building a brand is hard. It may require long nights, missed family events, financial sacrifice as well as a severe emotional toll.

When you’re in a partnership (a healthy one), the spouse does a lot to keep an entrepreneur on track. They shoulder more of the family and household responsibilities and offer the emotional support needed in times of success and/or failure. Serena Williams’ husband cheers her on from the sidelines and defends her from trolls online” and Angela Basset shares the secret to her 25-year marriage. “I can't be there sometimes, and he steps in there. He's right there.” When you look at a marriage like that, there is no his or her money.

Folks are also asking why the two are splitting at such an advanced age. Well, blame it on modern medicine and nutrition. Humans are living longer and realizing that “til death” is a really long time. When we were dying at 30, lifelong vows weren’t as risky. Women who initiate these splits (although, we do not know if Melinda did initiate) do so because they want to change their lives. According to CNN, “they tend to be the spouses seeking new careers, new adventures and new opportunities. They may start a business or get in shape, or move to another part of the world.” We do know that Melinda rented an estate in Grenada. I mean if you’re looking to start a new life, that’s the place to do it!

Calivigny Island advertises to wealthy people looking for that anonymous getaway, whether it’s to avoid paparazzi while relaxing with family or turning up with friends. According to TMZ, “Melinda Gates rented Calivigny Island in Grenada ... yes, she rented the entire island for $132,000 a night. The plan was for Melinda and the kids, as well as their significant others, to come to the island -- everyone except Bill.”

Seems like Melinda is ready to live her best life without regrets. This is on trend for women who initiate divorce.

When it comes to having second thoughts, fewer women than men express regret over being divorced: 73% of women report having no regret over being divorced while 61% of men say the same. Further, 75% of women say that’d rather be alone, successful and happy than be unhappy in a relationship overall, versus 58% of men believing the same. ~ AVVO Studies

Whether or not he has regrets, Bill definitely saw the divorce coming. He has been spotted at his mansion at a luxury resort in California. Looks like both Gates’ are ready to retreat from the spotlight and focus on their next moves.

Must be nice to be a billionaire. When the relationship hits the rocks, you have to ask yourself “to which sprawling mansion will I retreat?”