As the year comes to a close, it's the perfect time to review finances and plan for a stronger 2026. When it comes to couples, they are now inclining towards adopting joint financial planning, with more households transitioning to dual incomes. As couples navigate their financial journey together, staying informed about the latest trends can help them make smart decisions.
"The couples are defining shared goals like their children's education and retirement while still preserving a sense of personal financial independence," Mayank Bhatnagar, Co-founder and COO, FinEdge, told NDTV. "This balance strengthens individual financial autonomy, yet keeps the household's long-term priorities firmly aligned."
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Big No To Random Investing
Bhatnagar further said that another trend gaining ground is the movement away from ad hoc or random investing. With chasing returns as the primary purpose of investing, investments were made in products that were either too risky or not aligned with long-term goals. "This led to unrealistic expectations, resulting in losses in the investment portfolio," he said.
"A gradual shift from ad-hoc to goal-centric investing is leading to build portfolios around real-life milestones, liquidity, and realistic expectations. The awareness of long-term compounding, enabling wealth creation rather than chasing short-term market gains, is key to optimal investing behaviour."
Try For Short-Term Plans
Bhatnagar said that couples are also balancing short-term aspirations with long-term goals, without compromising on lifestyle. He mentioned that travel plans, lifestyle upgrades or career breaks are being integrated into the same plan that holds retirement or education goals.
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Ask The Expert
The couples are increasingly entrusting their investment planning to experts who can manage their goal-based investments with clarity and discipline because of demanding careers and limited time for financial decision-making. "The expert steps in to give direction, shape the right behaviour and build a plan that stays aligned with the household's long-term goals," Bhatnagar said.
5 Important Points To Remember
1. Joint Budgeting: Couples can prioritise joint budgeting and financial planning to manage shared expenses and investments.
2. Focus on Emergency Funds: They can consider building an emergency fund. Some experts have recommended keeping 3-6 months' worth of combined living expenses in a liquid fund or high-interest savings account.
3. Smart Investing: Couples can explore various investment options, including index funds, ETFs, dividend-paying stocks, and real estate investment platforms.
4. Insurance and Risk Management: They should also prioritise insurance coverage, including health, life and disability insurance, to protect their financial stability.
5. Long-Term Financial Goals: They can focus on long-term goals, such as retirement planning and buying a home.
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"As we move toward 2026, building wealth for couples is increasingly about balance-balancing aspirations with responsibilities, lifestyle with long-term security, and growth with peace of mind," Suyash Patodia, Joint Managing Director, Choice International, told NDTV.
"Financial well-being today is not just measured by income or investments, but by how effectively couples plan for rising fixed expenses while still maintaining a fulfilling quality of life. Education costs, in particular, are becoming a major long-term consideration, requiring early and disciplined planning through dedicated savings and investment strategies."
Optimum Use Of Artificial Intelligence And Technology
As per Patodia, an important trend shaping 2026 is the smarter use of technology in financial planning itself. AI-driven platforms are enabling couples to track joint expenses, automate savings, and invest with greater clarity and transparency. This shift helps partners stay aligned on goals while reducing the stress that often arises from manual money management.
"Ultimately, couples who proactively plan for fixed expenses while leveraging technology to simplify daily life will be best positioned to build lasting wealth without compromising on balance or well-being," Patodia said.
