By the time they reach middle school, many many little girls are pumped with the notion that their life has one objective: To find their very own prince charming. You know that rich, handsome and loving man who will sweep her off her feet and place her in the luxury vehicle, home and vacation villa of her choice. Does it really happen? Sometimes. Is it truly happily ever after? Rarely.

VH1's hottest new reality series, 'Basketball Wives,' showcases five women who thought they had met their modern-day princes – aka superstar athletes – and the dramedy that they endure to clinch "wifey status" (many of them were never legally married).

It's easy to see why these women would seek love and financial security in one seemingly pretty package. But this dream, even if fulfilled, also has fiscal and emotional pitfalls. Here are seven reasons why the grass isn't always greener on the ballin' side.

7. It May Not Be As Long As You Think – His Money, That Is
Yes, yes. So you've scored a balla. Is it time to tear the mall up? Think again. According to Yahoo! Sports, 80 percent of NFL players file for bankruptcy two years after retirement and 60 percent of NBA players are in the same predicament five years after they stop shooting hoops. The reason is simple: Too many homes, hoes and Hummers. Many athletes also invest in business deals that go awry due to poor financial planning. Wifey may want to stash her shopping cash.

6. You'll Spend Many Nights Alone – He May Not
NBA teams have 82 games per season and half are away. That means players will log almost half of their time away from their significant others. The companions of many professional athletes have spoken out about the challenges of maintaining a long-distance relationship when only one party is expected to consistently be monogamous.


5. You Have to Split Your Allowance With "Groupies"
While the main woman gets most of the financial boon, groupies hang around for a reason. The other chicks who "entertain" or "befriend"' athletes are also reaping financial benefits. Karinne Steffans, aka Superhead, one of the most infamous mistresses of this era, detailed the booty her sexy swagger helped her attain in her best-selling book, 'Confessions of a Video Vixen.'

4. You May Have to Finance Your Own Ventures
Some well-to-do men are generous all around – others are not. So don't think just because a baller is willing to drop $100,000 at the mall that he's just as likely to finance your business or co-sign on a loan. You may have to simply be content sitting pretty – or doing it yourself.

3. You Have to Compete With the Joneses
Yes, you'll get to hang out with Hollywood's hottest – but you'll also have to keep up with them. Since playing the role of the dutiful significant other means looking the part, too, expect to log just as many hours in the gym as you do in the mall.

2. You Have to Give Up the Right to Free Speech
Have you noticed how few of the women on 'Basketball Wives' have gone into detail or even said who they have dated? That's because some athletes and celebrities make their significant others sign contracts that prohibit what they can say or do as a condition of being in the relationship.

1. Money and Happiness Aren't Mutually Inclusive