Introduction: It’s Not About Earning More—It’s About Earning Together
As a financial coach to hundreds of Indian couples—newly married professionals, second-time partners, even retired lovebirds—I’ve realised one truth again and again:
Money doesn’t make relationships strong. Shared money habits do.
It’s easy to assume that financial success in marriage is about high incomes or smart stock picks. But in my years as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, I’ve seen something else create lasting wealth: how couples treat money, together.
Recently, I came across an inspiring perspective on this in a book that truly resonated with me—not because it offered new formulas, but because it reminded me of the foundational truths I’ve coached for years.
And today, I want to walk you through 11 couple money habits that I’ve seen transform ordinary marriages into rich, wealthy, and wise partnerships.
⸻
1. Stop Comparing Your Life to Others (Especially on Instagram)
One of the biggest financial traps I see couples fall into today is comparison—especially the Instagrammed kind.
You see your friend’s new Audi or your cousin’s honeymoon to Europe and wonder, “Are we missing out?”
No. You’re not.
Those posts don’t show credit card dues, EMIs, or hidden anxieties. I tell my clients:
“Comparison kills contentment—and contentment is your foundation for financial peace.”
Spend for your life. Not for their likes.
⸻
2. Live Within Your Means (Yes, Even as Dual Earners)
I once coached a couple from Gurugram earning ₹3.5 lakhs monthly—and still borrowing from parents during month-ends.
Why?
They confused income level with wealth-building.
No matter how much you earn—if you spend more than you earn, you’re not rich.
Together, we built a simple budget, cut lifestyle leakage, and in six months—they had a ₹1.5L emergency fund and a peaceful home.
Living within your means is the first act of financial maturity.
⸻
3. Avoid Debt Like the Plague
Debt is like a third partner in your marriage—only it doesn’t love either of you.
Credit cards, BNPL apps, impulsive EMI phones… they promise ease but deliver stress.
I advise couples:
• Use credit cards only if you can clear the full balance monthly.
• Avoid EMIs for non-assets like phones, clothes, or holidays.
• Make a plan to eliminate high-interest loans first.
Your love life should be adventurous—not your loan statements.
⸻
4. Give Generously—Even in Tough Times
This one surprises many.
Giving, whether to your house help, a local NGO, or even to family in need, shifts your focus from scarcity to abundance.
I had a couple who started donating just ₹500 a month consistently. Over time, their sense of wealth grew—not because of income, but because of perspective.
When you give together, you grow together.
⸻
5. Save for the Future—As a Habit, Not a Hope
Most couples talk about saving only when they’re expecting a child or buying a home.
But true wealth starts with consistent savings—no matter the occasion.
• Start with an emergency fund: 6 months of expenses.
• Automate your monthly SIPs—even if small at first.
• Name your savings: “Travel 2026”, “Baby Fund”, “Freedom 45”
When you assign meaning, saving becomes exciting—not restrictive.
⸻
6. Budgeting Isn’t Boring—It’s a Love Language
Many think budgeting means giving up fun.
But I believe it’s the ultimate expression of teamwork.
Budgeting together means:
• We trust each other.
• We plan our dreams.
• We respect our limits.
Sit down once a month. Track income, bills, savings, and “fun money.”
One couple I coach even has a “date night” line item. That’s romance backed by rupees.
⸻
7. Understand Your Spending Triggers
Everyone has emotional spending triggers.
I once coached a woman who’d order new clothes online every time she had a stressful day at work. Her husband, meanwhile, would spend heavily on gadgets as a reward after project milestones.
Neither habit was “wrong”—until it caused tension.
Also read: How to Attract More Money and Achieve Financial Freedom with a Powerful Mindset
Once they identified their triggers, we built healthier outlets (like fitness or short trips). Awareness changed everything.
⸻
8. Practice Contentment—It’s a Skill You Can Build
The richest couples I’ve met aren’t the flashiest—they’re the calmest.
They appreciate what they have.
Instead of chasing every new thing, they cultivate gratitude.
One couple I mentored had a Sunday ritual: over breakfast, they’d each share one thing they were thankful for—from the past week. It helped them stay grounded, even when life got busy.
Contentment isn’t anti-ambition—it’s clarity in motion.
⸻
9. Talk About Money—Even When It’s Awkward
This is the biggest game-changer in marriages: open communication about money.
If you avoid financial talks, you invite misunderstanding and resentment.
Discuss:
• Salary and bonuses
• Spending priorities
• Financial fears
• Retirement dreams
One newlywed couple I coach does a “Money Saturday” every fortnight—30 minutes of reviewing their goals, spends, and ideas. They say it’s improved not just their finances—but their intimacy too.
⸻
10. Progress Over Perfection
You don’t need to invest in 10 funds, clear all debts, and own property by 30.
You just need to move forward. Together.
Whether it’s a ₹2,000 SIP or reducing one credit card—it counts.
Celebrate every little win. That ₹500 saved on Swiggy this week? That’s a future investment.
In this game, small steps > big dreams.
⸻
11. Align Your Money with Shared Purpose
Finally, the most powerful habit: make money about “us.”
Your income, expenses, savings, and investments should be rooted in shared dreams.
Ask yourselves:
• What does a rich life look like for us?
• What experiences do we want to create?
• What legacy do we want to leave?
When your money habits reflect your values—you become not just wealthy, but wise.
⸻
Final Thought: You Don’t Need to Be Rich to Start—You Need to Start to Be Rich
In my years of coaching couples, I’ve seen that the ones who win with money aren’t the highest earners.
They’re the ones who treat money as a partnership project.
They track. Talk. Plan. And trust.
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be committed—to the person beside you, and the future ahead.
⸻
Next Steps You Can Take Together:
• Start with a weekly 10-minute money chat as a couple
• Set one shared savings goal this month
• Download my Couple Budgeting Template (available on request)
• Book a 1:1 financial clarity call to review your habits
Book a 30-min Session with Me Here – It’s Complimentary
⸻
Want to align your relationship and finances? Join my free live webinar – Couple Finance Formula™
Register here: www.CoupleFinanceFormula.in
⸻
Taresh Bhatia, CFP®
Founder – The Richness Academy
WhatsApp/Call: +91 9810127906
Email: taresh@tareshbhatia.com
Visit: 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
