Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade have long been admired not just for their individual accomplishments but also for their candidness about their relationship dynamics. Recently, Gabrielle opened up about a significant shift in their financial arrangements, moving away from their previous practice of splitting expenses equally.
Back in 2023, Gabrielle revealed that she and Dwyane divided their finances 50/50. This disclosure sparked widespread discussions, especially given Dwyane’s substantial earnings as an NBA superstar compared to Gabrielle’s income from her acting career. At the time, Gabrielle explained that this arrangement stemmed from her desire for control and independence, influenced by past traumas. She shared that her insistence on an equal financial split was a way to manage her anxiety and maintain a sense of control over her life.
In a recent appearance on the “Balanced Black Girl” podcast, Gabrielle delved deeper into the reasons behind this financial arrangement and why she decided to change it. She acknowledged that her previous stance was a “trauma response,” rooted in her past experiences, including being sexually assaulted at 19, which led to PTSD. This trauma made her hyper-focused on efficiency, time, and fierce independence. She admitted that her insistence on a 50/50 split was a way to avoid being vulnerable and to retain control over her finances and emotions.
Gabrielle also highlighted the importance of recognizing when she needed support from her partner. She mentioned that there were days when she had only “10%” to give and needed Dwyane to cover the remaining “90%.” This acknowledgment led her to reconsider their financial arrangement, realizing that her insistence on splitting everything equally was a barrier to true vulnerability and trust in their relationship.
Dwyane Wade, in a 2023 interview on the “Club Shay Shay” podcast, provided context to their financial dynamics. He explained that both he and Gabrielle had individual responsibilities, including supporting extended family members, and they chose to split shared expenses, such as their home and their daughter’s needs, equally. This arrangement was mutually agreed upon and worked for them at the time.
However, Gabrielle’s recent reflections indicate a shift towards embracing vulnerability and allowing Dwyane to take on more financial responsibility. She described the anxiety she felt when considering letting go of the 50/50 split, but recognized that this change was necessary for her personal growth and the health of their marriage. By allowing Dwyane to contribute more, Gabrielle is learning to trust and be comfortable with receiving support, both emotionally and financially.
