Are you your own worst enemy?

It's widely known that women make less money than men do for performing the same job, and now a new study confirms previous findings. "A Behavioral Study of Pricing Decisions: A Focus On Gender," released by the Academy of Management in August, found that female veterinarians tend to charge needier clients less than they charge the well-to-do ones. The exception: Women in larger practices charged higher prices than their male counterparts. Male veterinarians kept their prices steady regardless of a client's financial situation.

The study concluded that female veterinarians adjust prices and fees because they care more about their relationships with their clients than men do. While women may be more likely to shortchange immediate revenue, their focus on client relationships may result in long-term profitability.