Transparency Of Finances Between Spouses

Why partners should talk about money openly

- Smt. Priyamvada Waghmare

It is said that marriage is not between two individuals but between two families. A marriage works like a chariot with two wheels, where the husband is one wheel and the wife is the other. While money cannot buy a happy marriage, money and finances play a very important role after all, one of the seven steps towards bonding during the Saptapadi around the pious fire Agni is dedicated to it.

The first Phera or complete circle around the fire is towards the commitment of nourishment, shelter and finance. The second one is towards resilience, i.e. strength to endure the storms of life and support each other during mental, physical and emotional turbulences. The third one is towards wealth and prosperity, making most couples' lives better materialistically as well as spiritually.

The fourth one is fortifying the bond with the family, which is possible through unconditional love and respect for each other. The fifth one is invoking blessings from the Almighty for nurturing noble, healthy and joyful children. The sixth Phera is for good health, helping each other to lead a life free of disease, mental ailments, or any such impediments. The last Phera is to become good companions for seven lifetimes with the promise to strive for wisdom, maturity, mutual understanding, stability and faith in the Almighty.