ADVERTISEMENT

 They're Your Soulmate, But Do You Know All Their Investments?

One of the biggest red flags is living beyond one's means.

<div class="paragraphs"><p>Money may not be able to buy you love, but it is an important talking point when you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, or at least, it should be (Image: NDTV Profit)</p></div>
Money may not be able to buy you love, but it is an important talking point when you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, or at least, it should be (Image: NDTV Profit)

The mandap is set, the baraat is grooving to Gallan Goodiyan or Tenu Leke, and the bride's family is waiting with garlands in hand. But just as the groom arrives, someone happens to check his CIBIL score, and boom — the wedding is called off.

Sounds like a scene from a Bollywood dramedy? Well, it actually happened in Maharashtra just last week. As dramatic as it sounds, this incident raises an important question: How much do you really know about your partner's financial habits? Because love may be blind, but loans, EMIs, and bad investments certainly aren't.

Finances Matter More Than Zodiac Compatibility

In a country where marriages often come with joint finances, understanding your partner's money mindset is as crucial as checking kundalis. Financial compatibility doesn't mean both partners should have equal bank balances, but it does involve aligning on financial values, budgeting habits and future financial goals. 

According to a 2024 YouGov survey, 32% of Indian Millennials and Gen Z had taken out a personal loan in the past year, many without discussing it with their partners. Another survey revealed that only 30% of Indians fully trust their partners on money matters, underscoring the need for open financial communication.

Money issues rank among the top reasons for divorces worldwide, and India is no exception. A report from the India Wealth Report 2024 states that financial incompatibility is a growing factor in urban breakups. 

'The Talk' Needs To Happen Early On

It's easy to talk about your favourite movies, childhood stories, or travel bucket lists when dating. But a BankBazaar survey found that 68% of Indian women prefer financial stability over high incomes in a partner, yet few actively discuss money in their relationships.

As Pooja Bhinde, certified financial planner, pointed out: "Even if conversations happen during the courting phase, they might just be first-level conversations — not deep discussions about goals, career plans, and financial aspirations."

Financial Red Flags

One of the biggest red flags is living beyond one's means. If a person constantly indulges in luxury brands, spends excessively without a savings plan, or relies on loans to maintain a certain lifestyle, it could indicate financial recklessness. As Bhinde notes, "Expense management is key. If someone is only about brands and doesn't balance savings, it's a red flag."

Another warning sign is avoidance of financial responsibility. A partner who never offers to pay for shared expenses, hesitates when bills arrive, or remains vague about their financial commitments might have deeper financial issues. "When you go out, does your partner ever take charge of paying the bill, or are they always skipping it?" Bhinde asks, emphasising the importance of observing how a person handles money in social settings.

Financial secrecy is another major issue. A partner who refuses to discuss their income, debts or investments, or worse — has undisclosed financial obligations — can create serious trust issues. 

A lack of investment or financial planning is also a concern. Mohit Gang, co-founder of Moneyfront, explains that investment behaviour often reflects a person's financial foresight. "You might find someone who says, 'I just do cryptos and Bitcoin', or another who says, 'My dad handles everything.' These extremes tell you a lot about their mindset," he says.

Financial Green Flags

Open conversations about finances — where a partner discusses earnings, debts and investments transparently — indicate financial maturity.

A good sign is a balanced budgeting approach. Couples who set aside money for essential expenses, savings and discretionary spending without excessive restrictions are more likely to avoid financial conflicts. Gang stresses the importance of a systematic approach to money management, advising, "You should sit on an Excel sheet of your entire house. It may not sound romantic, but it ensures transparency."

Another green flag is an investment-oriented mindset, according to Bhinde and Gang. A financially responsible partner regularly invests in mutual funds, systematic investment plans, or other wealth-building options rather than keeping everything idle in a savings account. 

Joint vs Separate Finances: What Works Best?

One of the biggest debates in marriage is whether to merge finances or keep them separate. 

Pooling finances can make budgeting, paying EMIs, and investing in joint goals like a home or children's education easier. As Mohit Gang explains, "There's no harm in having joint investments. You have joint liabilities, joint financial dreams, and joint retirement plans. You need a joint pool of savings."

Having separate accounts provides financial independence and protection in case of unexpected circumstances. A 2023 Credit Suisse Report found that 43% of Indian women prefer maintaining independent investments. Bhinde says that a hybrid approach works well — joint accounts for major expenses, personal accounts for individual spending.

Parents, Money & Marriage

Another tricky financial conversation? Spending on parents. In India, many married couples support their parents financially, which can lead to friction if not discussed openly.

Gang stresses that, "Complete financial fidelity is key. I share with my spouse what I spend on my parents, and she does the same. If required, I contribute to hers, and she contributes to mine."

The solution? Setting up a medical or emergency fund for aging parents. Gang advises having a separate fund, which ensures that parental expenses don't disrupt the couple's finances unexpectedly.

Money may not be able to buy you love, but it is a talking point when you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, or at least, it should be. So before you plan your saat pheras, maybe a discussion about savings, debts, and investments needs to be on the agenda too.

Opinion
Is Marriage In India On The Brink? The Silent Erosion Of An Age-Old Institution
OUR NEWSLETTERS
By signing up you agree to the Terms & Conditions of NDTV Profit