How to Make $200,000 in a Single StepIt won't make mom and dad very happy, though.

ByMatt Sweetwood

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

FabioBalbi | Getty Images

There's a very simple way to put $200,000 in your bank account: Don't get married.

I'm not saying you shouldn't have a long-term relationship or shouldn't live with someone, but actually having a wedding? All entrepreneurs should carefully consider that particular societal custom. It's a contract designed to lose money.

The U.S. wedding industry is a $72 billion dollar industry according to anIBISWorld research report. The national average cost of a wedding, according toThe Knot, is $35,329 across all demographics. Now, consider that the average entrepreneur, according toFox Businessearns about $70,000 per year and the average income level in theUS is about half of that, at $35,000. As a result, we can safely assume that the average entrepreneur is likely to spend more on their wedding. While they may not spend double, let's say the average entrepreneur's wedding will cost in the $50,000 range.

Related:Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary Says Married Entrepreneurs Must Do This or Risk Divorce

Now, consider that the long-term average annual compounded (realized) return on U.S. large-cap stocks has been about 10%, according to theWall Street Journal. So, instead of padding to the wedding industry coffers, if you take that $50,000, and simply invests it in the stock market, after 10 years and a conservative calculation, you'll have doubled your money and have $100,000 in your investment account.

And that 10-year number is based on the fact that the average marriage lasts about that long --about 8 years in fact, according to theU.S. Census Bureau. We also see from this census that the divorce rate for first marriages is almost 50 percent, 60 percent for second marriages, and a whopping 73 percent for third marriages. Not very good odds at all.

And, since most marriages are ending in divorce, that means a contribution will likely be made to the $50 billion dollar divorce industry.

According towevorce离婚,平均价格为100000美元。就像不rtantly, a divorce drains an entrepreneur's energy and time, making it more difficult to operate a business (I know from personal experience). In some cases, it destroys businesses. So, in addition to the outright $100,000 cost, there is significant opportunity cost lost in divorce, too.

Our final total for the 10-year cycle of marriage and divorce comes to $200,000 using conservative calculations. So, while mom and dad might not be happy if you choose not to get married, but you'll have a few extra grand to send them on a nice vacation where they can get over it.

Wavy Line
Matt Sweetwood

Business Consultant • CEO Coach • Speaker • Photography Expert

Matt Sweetwood is a business consultant specializing in technology, retail and distribution. He is a speaker, coach and author ofLeader of the Pack: How a single dad of five led his kids, his business and himself from disaster to success.

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