There are more women breadwinners in U.S. households than ever before, contributing equally to major expenses like mortgages, cars, and retirement savings.

But have we officially reached the age when women are buying their own engagement rings, too?

It turns out that a fair number of single women are willing to either chip in for their diamond or, in some cases, buy it flat-out if their partner-to-be can't afford it.

"If you’re getting married then it doesn’t matter who pays for what. It’s all coming from the same pot in the long run," wrote Facebook user Kelly in response to a recent thread on wedding website The Knot's fan page.

“I put money down on my ring. My fiance and I have been together over 7 years now. We work together for what we want and need. We are a team," wrote another user named Jessica.

Others echoed their sentiment, revealing that even if their spouse bought the ring with his own credit card, they made payments on the the rock out of their joint checking account later.

We can't say we're totally shocked by these accounts. It may not be the most romantic idea ever, but at a time when the average engagement ring tops $5,400 and weddings cost nearly $30,000, sharing major purchases makes a lot of financial sense.

The old adage that men should budget three month's salary for the perfect engagement ring is basically a load of bull. Who wants to spend their honeymoon swimming in a pool of debt anyway?

"There are no real rules," said Josh Holland, spokesperson for online jeweler BlueNile.com. "Men should make a budget and try to stick to it."

Today's couples are operating in a far more progressive society than their parents' and parents' parents. More than 60% of women have a say in what kind of ring they get, according to the Knot, and about one-third help set a ring budget with their partner.

So, what do you think? Weigh in below.