So, we all agree the buzz is that women are shifting their love goal-posts—love and affection are officially now more about money than any other of the things that were traditionally thought to be virtuous components of love and relationships. Yaawwnnn, exactly, you get that when you talk about those ancient, outdated things to women. The impression is that our good sisters would rather shack up with a fatter-than-a-Thanksgiving-turkey-wallet-guy than a broke dude they’re head-over-heels for. I mean, there are bills to pay, and women are expecting that duty to be done by you, Mister. Do not be fooled into thinking otherwise. Do not be naive like a weasel (not a correct English comparative statement, it’s just me making up stuff lol).
The idea that women are all about rich guys isn’t just a stereotype, it’s a conversation starter. Why do some women seem to gravitate toward men with money?
Okay, it’d also like to be that guy whom a girl loves for my good manners, baby-face, enviable build hahaha, the nice way I was brought up, and a few other things I consider attractive about myself, thank you very much, but let’s be real, my friend: a guy with cash is like a peacock strutting with a platinum card. He’s got the nice car, the steak dinners, and probably a condo that doesn’t smell like last week’s Kikomando.
For some women, that’s not just shiny—it’s a life raft. As I said earlier, bills don’t pay themselves, and nobody’s dreaming of a romantic evening arguing over who is covering electricity. Science says financial stress is like kryptonite for relationships, so a dude with dough can seem like a superhero. But here’s the kicker: money without love is like a burger with no fries—technically fine, but you’re still sad. Women aren’t (all) out here hunting for sugar daddies; they just want a guy who can keep the lights on without making their heart feel like a ghost town. The problem is that the line is too thin; you can’t spot the difference.
But first, let’s clear the air: this isn’t a ladies-only trend. Women might get called out for chasing rich guys yeah, yeah, yeah, but men are just as guilty of playing the money game. Josh, 25, is charming his way into a relationship with a 40-something CEO who’s got farms, plazas and all the like. Meanwhile, Ruth, the sweet barista his age, who’s got the heart but a shared apartment, gets ghosted. Why? Because money’s like that friend who always has the aux cord—it’s loud and hard to ignore. So we can’t exclusively blame women for loving the paper, can we?
I recently tapped into the grapevine (no, not your actual interview, but the kind of chatter you’d hear over brunch) on this one. Here’s what women, even your girlfriend, lol, are saying:
Sarah, 29: “I dated a broke artist, and it was cute until we couldn’t afford a decent date. A guy with money means I don’t have to stress every time he goes to the washrooms during the date. My mind be telling me he wants to escape and leave me embarrassed and all that. Lord, I don’t wanna be made to do restaurant dishes. It’s not that I don’t want love—it’s that I don’t want…” Breaks into laughter.
Aisha, 34, Nurse: “After my divorce, I needed stability. A wealthy guy doesn’t just mean luxury—it means I can focus on my kid and not worry about the rent. Love’s great, but it doesn’t fix a leaky roof.” The last time I checked, it doesn’t.
Jovia, 22, Student: “I see my friends with rich boyfriends living their best lives—trips, nice clothes, no stress. I want that too. I’ll find love later, but right now, I’m not trying to struggle.” Straight-up.
These women aren’t saying love’s dead; they’re saying money makes life easier. It’s not about trading hearts for cash but wanting a partner who doesn’t add “broke” to the list of life’s problems.
Now, don’t count out the broke guy. Love’s got this sneaky way of stealing the show, like when your high school crush smiled at you and suddenly algebra didn’t matter. A guy with no cash but all the vibes—think late-night talks, goofy dance parties in a cramped Muzigo—can make a woman’s heart do backflips.
Studies say emotional connection beats a fat bank account for long-term happiness. But, and it’s a big BUT, love doesn’t buy groceries. If you’re both eating instant noodles for the third week straight, those butterflies in your stomach might just be hunger. It’s not that love’s weak; it’s that an empty fridge bothers love out of her system. The broke guy’s gotta show he’s got a plan, not just a playlist of sappy love songs. Or Amapiano.
Raise your hand if you’ve scrolled through Instagram and felt like your life’s a thrift-store knockoff. Yeah, me too. Social media’s a money hype machine—yachts, designer bags, couples who look like they bathe in gold and honey.
It’s no wonder guys are cosying up to older, wealthier women or women are swiping right on guys with “entrepreneur” in their bio. The pressure to live that glossy life can make love seem like a nice-to-have, not a must-have. When you’re bombarded with #CoupleGoals that scream “money = happy,” a broke partner feels like that boring movie Divergent.
Real talk? A woman who’s all-in for love will take a picnic with a guy who makes her laugh over a fancy dinner with Mr. Boring McMoneybags. The trick is keeping it real—talk about what you both want, whether it’s a penthouse or just a couch that doesn’t sag in the middle. That’s how you beat the Insta-illusion.
This whole “women want rich guys” thing is like saying all dogs want steak—sure, some do, but plenty are cool with kibble if the vibes are right. So, here’s the million-dollar question: Is money overpowering love? Nah, it’s more like money’s the loud cousin who crashes the party, but love’s still the one you want to dance with. The trick is getting them to share the playlist. Couples who balance both—talking cash flow without killing the vibe, dreaming big but saving smart—are the real MVPs. A broke guy can win if he’s got hustle and heart; a rich guy can lose if he’s all wallet, no warmth. Same for women, whether they’re climbing the corporate ladder or keeping it low-key.
Ideas to make it work? Start with honesty—talk about money early, like it’s a first-date question, not a taboo. Set shared goals, whether it’s a fancy trip or just a savings account that doesn’t cry. And keep love first: a budget date night (think stargazing or cooking at home) can feel sexier than a five-star restaurant. Money’s a tool, not the boss. When both partners get that, love doesn’t just survive—it thrives. Money’s not stomping love into the ground—it’s just stealing the mic sometimes. Women aren’t all chasing tycoons, and guys aren’t all hunting for rich cougars.
But yeah, cash matters because life’s not cheap. Love’s the spark that makes you feel alive, but money’s the Wi-Fi that keeps the Netflix playing. The best relationships don’t make you choose—they mix the two like a perfect playlist. The women who pick loaded guys often want security, not just sparkles. Love’s still the champ, though—it’s what makes a cheap taco date feel like a Michelin-star moment.
Next time someone says women only want loaded guys, just shrug and say, “Maybe, but a broke dude with game and a budget taco date can still steal the show.” May the craziest comment win…
Compiled by Mwesigwa Joshua
