Apr 15, 2026
There’s sometimes a wealth gap between romantic partners or spouses. But what happens when that gap suddenly widens by millions of dollars?
While AI is creating job insecurity among many white-collar workers, AI professionals could see their salaries surge to unprecedented levels.
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A typical salary for a senior AI scientist ranges from $300,000 to $600,000+, while an AI product director could earn between $350,000 to $700,000+, according to Forbes. These figures exclude sign-on bonuses and equity packages. For example, a distinguished AI researcher could earn more than $1 million plus equity (1).
Some tech companies are even offering nine-figure compensation packages to young AI researchers, reports The New York Times (2). While that may be good news for their bank accounts, it could also strain relationships.
About a quarter of couples in a Fidelity survey said money is their biggest relationship challenge (3). When one partner earns significantly more than the other, it can create power imbalances and resentment.
Should you get a prenup or postnup?
One in four respondents to a survey by workplace forum Blind found that higher compensation related to the AI frenzy had changed how they split expenses with their partner, and 9% said it made them reconsider prenups (4).
A prenuptial agreement is a legal contract signed before marriage that outlines the division of assets, debts, and spousal support in the event of a separation, divorce, or death, overriding default state laws.
Indeed, prenups are increasingly an expectation among tech workers looking to get hitched.
“A prenup is thinking about the near future and the far future and the what-if future,” Sam Mockford, associate wealth adviser at Citrine Capital, told The New York Times.
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“When you’re looking at equity, there’s a lot that’s variable about your future wealth” (2).
They are also less taboo than they used to be. An Axios-Harris Poll survey found that half of U.S. adults are open to signing a prenup.
This trend may reflect that couples are marrying later in life (the median age for a first marriage in the U.S. was 30 years old in 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau)(6). Some may be remarrying, have children from a previous marriage, or have already accumulated significant assets (or debts).
Prenups are not just requested by men, either. About 52% are initiated by women, according to the HelloPrenup 2024 Prenuptial Agreement Insights Report, which talks about “the initiative women are taking to have financial conversations early and ensure that their wealth is protected throughout their marriage” (7).
Gujri Singh, 31, who joined OpenAI in 2023, told The New York Times that having a future partner sign a prenup is nonnegotiable for her.
But what happens if you’re already married without a prenup, and one partner gets a sudden injection of cash — whether it’s a new job, inheritance, or other windfall?
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Postnuptial agreements allow couples to protect wealth acquired after marriage, such as business, inheritance, or significant increase in income.
Most states recognize postnups, but rules vary by state. It’s important to consult a lawyer to ensure any postnup is properly structured and enforceable in court.
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How to have the prenup conversation
Let’s face it, talking about a prenup can be awkward. An Ally study found that 55% of millennial and Gen Z couples about to marry were uncomfortable discussing a prenup — despite the fact they’re generally comfortable discussing money overall (9).
One way to bring up the topic of a prenup, without offending your fiance, is to frame it as a tool to protect mutual financial security. A prenup can protect you from your partner’s debts or safeguard an inheritance for your children from a previous marriage.
It can also clarify each partner’s financial responsibilities, reducing stress after marriage. Essentially, a prenup can be viewed as a collaborative tool for managing finances, rather than insurance against a marriage’s failure.
Ideally, work on the prenup together early, possibly even before engagement. At some point, you’ll have other major conversations about the future, such as whether to have children. While you’re at it, you can introduce the idea of a prenup.
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Postnuptial conversations may feel even more awkward, since you’re already married. But circumstances can change: one partner may receive a large salary increase or an inheritance, or otherwise have their circumstances change.
Like prenups, explain why a postnup is mutually beneficial.
A postnup can clarify how new assets will be treated in the marriage and, if necessary, post-marriage,” according to HelloPrenup. It can also address debt, career changes, and business ownership (10).
“Post-marriage” doesn’t just refer to divorce — it can also apply to death, helping with estate planning and debt liability.
If you’re about to receive a windfall, it’s worth consulting a legal expert, and talking to your partner, about protecting your newfound wealth.
Article sources
We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.
Forbes (1); The New York Times (2); Fidelity (3); Blind (5); United States Census Bureau (7); The New York Times (8); Ally (9); Hello Prenup (10)
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Vawn Himmelsbach is a veteran journalist who has been covering tech, business, finance and travel for the past three decades. Her work has been featured in publications such as The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, National Post, Metro News, Canadian Geographic, Zoomer, CAA Magazine, Travelweek, Explore Magazine, Flare and Consumer Reports, to name a few.
