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Marriage brings together two financial lives, two incomes, expenses, savings, investments, and responsibilities. This is where women financial literacy is very important.

Knowing about money can help women to take an active role in decisions that affect their finances and future.

Having some clarity about money matters before marriage can help both partners understand what they may need to plan for together.

Before marriage, there are five important things that every woman should consider discussing with her partner. 

1. Current Income, Expenses and Financial Responsibilities 

It is very important to understand regular expenses, savings and existing financial responsibilities. One partner may contribute towards their parents' household expenses, while the other may already be saving for a particular goal. There may also be education, medical or other family expenses that need to be considered.

Have a basic estimate of your regular expenses, savings and investments before discussing how finances will be handled together.

The purpose is not to compare who earns more. It is to understand what each person is managing and what can realistically be planned together.

For women who are unsure how to look at their own financial position, this can also be a good place to start building financial knowledge. 

LakshMe BFF sessions can help women understand finances, clear basic doubts and become more comfortable discussing money.

2. Existing Loans And Other Financial Commitments 

Loans can have a direct impact on a couple's monthly budget, so they are worth discussing before marriage. A home loan, education loan, vehicle loan, personal loan or credit card balance may continue for several years and affect how much money is available for other goals. 

These discussions help both people clarify their roles and manage their money accordingly. 

This is one of the practical areas where Women Financial Literacy can help. When you understand the numbers involved, you can take part in the conversation rather than simply relying on someone else to explain them. 

3. Understand Each Other’s Spending And Saving Habits

It is quite natural that you two handle finances in totally different ways. Perhaps you like setting aside a certain amount each month for savings, whereas your partner prefers spending more on travel, shopping, etc.

You might also be very different in your choice of investment avenues. One of you would be very regular with investment in mutual funds or equities, whereas the other probably likes safety and security of bank deposits or savings accounts.

It is necessary to have an honest conversation regarding your monthly income, how you spend money, the amount you save and the different ways you invest. 

You both do not necessarily have to agree on financial matters or adopt each other's ways. Instead, knowing areas of differences will enable making joint financial decisions. 

4. Discuss Joint And Individual Finances

After marriage, some couples may prefer joint accounts for household expenses while maintaining individual accounts for personal spending. Others may choose a different arrangement.

There is no single system that works for every couple.

What matters is deciding how shared expenses, investments, savings and large purchases will be handled. At the same time, women should continue to understand and manage their own financial identity.

Having personal savings and financial awareness can give a woman greater confidence and independence, even within a financially shared household.

5. Discuss Your Financial Priorities After Marriage

Every couple has different priorities. For some, buying a home may be important. Others may want to travel, start a business, continue their education, build investments or plan for children.

The important thing is to understand where your priorities overlap and where they differ.

This is also the right time to think about an emergency fund, insurance, investments and long-term retirement planning. These may seem like distant concerns when a couple is preparing for marriage, but starting early can make them easier to manage.

Financial goals do not have to be identical. What matters is knowing what each person is working towards and deciding which goals need to be planned together.

LakshMe BFF Sessions 

Knowing what you need to discuss about money is one thing. Being comfortable with financial terms and understanding your options is another.

LakshMe BFF sessions offer one-on-one sessions where women can ask their financial questions and learn at their own pace. Since the sessions are for women, by women, attendees can talk openly and ask even the questions they may otherwise hesitate to ask.

The sessions are based on what each woman wants to learn. If you already understand the basics, you can discuss more advanced topics. If you are new to financial planning, you can start from the beginning and learn through three levels.

For women preparing for marriage, these sessions can be a useful way to understand savings, investments and financial planning before making decisions about their financial future. LakshMe BFF acts as a Finance Buddy for Women, as it builds the knowledge and confidence to manage your money.

Financial conversations before marriage can make future decisions easier for both partners. For women, women financial literacy is an important part of this process. It helps them understand their own finances, ask the right questions and stay involved in decisions that affect their future.