We've heard 100 times that men typically earn higher salaries than women. But here's another reason why the guys -- generally speaking -- may have more cash than the ladies: It's all about their investing habits. 
According to this Washington Post story, a recent study by Iowa State University found that in most relationships, the men take control of the couple's investments because women prefer not to. Other research also indicates that when they do manage their funds, women tend to invest more conservatively and not put their money into risky ventures that, if they pan out, could pay handsomely.
Of course, the qualities that lead women to exhibit such behavior -- a sense of self-control, careful analysis -- aren't necessarily bad things. But the alleged feminine aversion to learning more about investing in general, something I must admit I can relate to, is bigger cause for concern. Why are so many -- again, not all, but many -- women afraid to immerse their heads in the stock market?
I don't know the answer (I welcome you to discuss the possibilities in the comments), but I do have some good news: If you're married or in a relationship with a guy, the combination of male/female investing approaches makes for the ideal overall invester. That means that together, you can maximiize your collective money. Of course, the article doesn't say how these gender differences factor into gay relationships.
And then there's that other nutty reality: Not every woman or man fits neatly into the categories -- financial or otherwise -- that the studies, trends and stereotypes lay out for them. Which means, by the way, that it's totally possible to be a single woman who reaps the benefits of Wall Street even more effectively than any man.
