I'm a female breadwinner who retired my husband. I was worried I'd resent him, but I'm a better leader and wife because of it.

• Amy Porterfield started her own business at 31 and surpassed her husband's income as a firefighter.
• They decided as a couple that her husband would retire and she would support both of them.
• Despite initial hesitation, this arrangement has strengthened their communication and marriage.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Amy Porterfield, a 47-year-old founder and online marketing expert in Nashville. It's been edited for length and clarity.