New Delhi, Jan. 24 -- In a December panel discussion, I was asked a pointed question by a young lawyer who clearly meant business when it came to financial compatibility. She asked: "I'm looking to get married, and I want to ensure my partner and I have no friction when it comes to money. How do I know if we're financially compatible?"

The question didn't come as a surprise. Contemporary couples often enter marriage as financially independent adults with distinct money ethos, earning histories, spending habits, risk appetites, debts, and goals. Compatibility no longer hinges solely on emotional and values-based alignment-how partners view money and interact with finances has become a critical part of compatibility.

And, understandably, ...