Introduction: The Golden Advice That Changed My Coaching
I remember once sitting with a couple—highly educated, living in a plush apartment in Gurugram—yet constantly arguing over how their weekends were spent and how their money was being handled. The husband valued time more than anything. The wife valued knowledge and wanted to upskill. Both felt stuck.
During that session, I scribbled on my whiteboard:
“You have three currencies: Knowledge, Time, Money. When you need one, use the other two to get it.”
The room fell silent. That one line shifted their entire thinking.
As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, I’ve used this wisdom in countless couple sessions. When used right, these three tools—Knowledge, Time, and Money—can help you win not just financially, but emotionally and relationally too.
Let me walk you through how to master these tools as a couple.
⸻
1. Knowledge: Your GPS to Navigate Money and Marriage
When my wife and I started our journey, we were both busy professionals. But we made one pact early on—we will never stop learning about money. Books, podcasts, Sunday finance dates—it became part of our routine.
Knowledge is not just about financial literacy. It’s about understanding each other’s dreams, fears, and behaviours with money.
If you lack money, gain knowledge together.
Attend a webinar. Read a blog. Talk to a planner.
Even now, I coach couples who’ve paid lakhs to fix problems that could’ve been prevented if they just read a ₹400 book together.
Example from my practice: A young couple in Pune, both engineers, had no idea how mutual funds worked. They spent weekends binge-watching shows. I challenged them to spend just two weekends watching YouTube explainers instead. Today, they’re SIP champions.
Pro Tip: Create a shared financial knowledge folder on Google Drive or Notion. Add all articles, notes, screenshots. Treat it like your couple’s financial Wikipedia.
⸻
2. Time: The Most Expensive Currency You Don’t Value Enough
You can get more money. You can gain knowledge. But you can’t get back time once lost.
When couples come to me in their late 40s saying, “We should’ve started 10 years ago,” it breaks my heart. But here’s the good news—you still have time if you use it wisely.
If you lack knowledge, spend time learning it.
If you lack money, invest time in building habits that attract wealth.
I once coached a couple in Chennai who spent hours planning their wedding but never sat together to plan their finances. Six months into marriage, they were stressed over credit card debt. I made them schedule just 30 minutes every Saturday as their “Money Meet.” Within a year, they were investing and debt-free.
Pro Tip: Time block 30 minutes weekly for finance talk. Put it on your shared Google Calendar with a recurring reminder. Keep it fun—pair it with chai or dessert.
⸻
3. Money: The Multiplier of Everything—Only If You Know How
Let’s be honest. We all want more money. But money is not the solution—it’s the amplifier. If your relationship is strong, it strengthens it. If it’s fragile, it exposes the cracks.
If you lack time, use money to buy back time.
Outsource chores, get childcare help, hire financial experts.
If you lack knowledge, invest in learning.
Buy that course. Attend that coaching. Take the membership.
One of my couple clients from Mumbai argued constantly about who was “wasting” more time. They had money but wouldn’t spend it to make life easier. I asked them, “Why are you both fighting over time when you can afford to free some of it?” They hired help, freed up their evenings, and now spend it playing board games and cooking together.
Pro Tip: Track your spending for 30 days. Identify 3 areas to reduce and 3 places to spend more (on things that buy time or knowledge).
⸻
The Real Magic: Use 2 to Gain 1
Let’s simplify:
What you need Use these two
Time Money + Knowledge
Money Time + Knowledge
Knowledge Time + Money
This matrix works every time.
Want to take a sabbatical but don’t have enough money? Learn how to plan it with knowledge and start saving with time.
Also read: How is this Money Triangle Important for Couples Finance Formula™?
Want to learn stock investing but have no time? Hire a mentor or planner and use money to compress the time it takes to learn.
Want more money but know nothing about wealth? Use your time to study and apply your learning with consistent SIPs.
⸻
When Couples Align on These Three Tools—They Become Unstoppable
In my Couple Finance Formula™ masterclasses, I often say:
“Don’t try to divide your roles as who is better with money or time. Instead, learn to blend your strengths.”
One of you may be better with budgeting, while the other may be better with long-term vision.
One may love researching investments, while the other excels at daily savings.
I met a retired couple in Delhi—he handled investments, she ran the household budget. They used their time and knowledge in such harmony that they lived happily without ever depending on their children.
⸻
My 3-Step Framework to Apply This in Your Life
Step 1: Identify which of the three you currently lack the most.
Is it money? Is it time? Is it clarity/knowledge?
Step 2: Decide what you will do weekly to build the other two.
Learning? Budgeting? Blocking time?
Step 3: Align with your spouse weekly to reflect and redirect.
Set a ritual. Celebrate wins. Course-correct gently.
⸻
Final Thought: These Three Tools Are Not Just for Money
They apply to love, career, family, and even health.
Want a better relationship? Spend time understanding your partner, invest money in experiences, and gain knowledge through books or counselling.
Want career growth? Spend money on learning, gain knowledge, and put in consistent time.
Want financial freedom? Start with what you have. And use the other two.
You already have these three currencies.
Use them wisely—and you’ll never feel broke again in your money or your marriage.
⸻
If this resonates with you, I invite you to learn more in my live webinar. Let’s dive deeper and decode your personal financial blueprint together.
⸻
Join my live webinar… Register FREE now:
Taresh Bhatia, CFP®
Founder – The Richness Academy
Contact Me Directly:
WhatsApp/Call: +91 98101 27906
Email: taresh@tareshbhatia.com
Explore More Resources:
Website: www.tareshbhatia.com
The author of this article, Taresh Bhatia, is a Certified Financial Planner® and advocate for female empowerment. For more information and personalized financial guidance, please contact taresh@tareshbhatia.com
He has authored an Amazon best seller-“The Richness Principles”. He is the Coach and founder of The Richness Academy, an online coaching courses forum. This article serves educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consultation with a qualified financial professional is recommended before making any investment decisions. An educational purpose article only and not any advice whatsoever.
©️2025: All Rights Reserved. Taresh Bhatia. Certified Financial Planner®
Subscribe Now for Upcoming Blogs!
📢 Join free live webinar —
Couple Finance Formula™ Register here
