Marriage is not just about companionship and romance—it is also the foundation for building a family, sharing responsibilities, and planning a secure future together. While love is a beautiful reason to get married, informed decisions play a crucial role in sustaining a healthy and fulfilling life ahead.
One often-overlooked but essential topic in marriage is understanding each other’s family medical history. The primary objective of a marriage, in biological terms, is reproduction. When two people come together to start a family, their genetic backgrounds also merge. Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular issues, mental health disorders, or even rare genetic illnesses can be passed on to children. Being aware of these histories doesn’t mean rejecting a relationship—it means being proactive. It allows the couple to take preventive health measures, seek genetic counseling if needed, and ensure a better quality of life for their future children.
Healthy lifestyle choices by both partners—including balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and avoiding harmful habits—can significantly reduce the risk of hereditary illnesses becoming active. Prevention is not just better than cure—it’s smarter, especially when you’re thinking long term.
In addition to health, couples should deeply understand the advantages and challenges of married life. Love may be the spark, but awareness and mutual understanding of each other’s values, goals, family expectations, and financial habits keep the flame alive. The more you understand your partner’s life vision and responsibilities, the better you can support each other emotionally, physically, and financially.
One of the most critical aspects of building a future together is financial planning. Today’s youth are in a better position than previous generations—many already have a foundation laid by their parents. But relying solely on that is not wise. Young couples should build on that base by actively learning about financial literacy, budgeting, saving, and investing.
Here are some financial tools
• Health Insurance with Maternity Cover: This is essential in the early years of marriage, especially if you’re planning a family soon. Choose a plan that includes maternity benefits. However, be smart about it—once you’ve completed your family (first or second child), consider switching to a plan without maternity benefits to reduce your premium and instead opt for critical illness coverage which becomes more relevant as you grow older.
• Term Life Insurance for Both Partners: A term plan ensures that your partner and future children are financially protected in your absence. It’s an act of responsibility and love.
• Investments in Mutual Funds and Stocks: Begin early. The power of compounding works best when time is on your side. Even small but consistent investments in SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans) can grow into a significant corpus over the years. Equity investments, when made wisely and patiently, also build long-term wealth.
• Emergency Fund and Budget Planning: Set aside at least 3-6 months of expenses as an emergency fund. Use budgeting tools or apps to track spending and stay disciplined.
Advantages of starting ealy
• You can take higher risks and aim for better returns.
• You develop financial discipline early in life.
• You achieve goals like buying a house, children’s education, or early retirement with less pressure.
In conclusion, marriage is a beautiful journey, but like any journey, it requires preparation. Understanding each other’s health, values, and financial vision makes the road smoother and more meaningful. When two people commit not just emotionally but consciously—about health, finances, and shared goals—they set the stage for a future that’s not only secure but also empowering.
Let’s raise a generation that falls in love with awareness, married with responsibility, and grows with purpose.
My Purpose
I strongly believe that financial awareness is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. In today’s world, our youth are growing up with more access, more choices, and often, more financial support than previous generations. But having money is not the same as knowing how to manage it. That’s where wisdom, discipline, and financial literacy become vital.
My mission is to create financial awareness among individuals and families, especially our youth, so they don’t just inherit wealth—but learn how to protect it, grow it, and pass it on wisely. When people understand how to use money with intention, they make better life decisions, avoid financial stress, and create a stronger society. Let’s build a generation that’s not just financially successful—but financially wise.
(The writer is the Founder of ‘Investment Options’, an insurance and investment consultancy based in Goa since 2013, having pan-India clientele)
