New Delhi, Aug. 11 -- From over a decade in the financial planning profession, I have observed recurring patterns in investor behaviour, common money mistakes, spending habits, and ingrained money mindsets. One theme stands out above all: the tendency to delay investing, missing out on the long-term magic of compounding.

Unfortunately, this delay often affects women more severely than men. A major disruptor? Marriage, a life transition that can dramatically alter a woman's financial trajectory.

Here are a few real-life cases (names changed) that illustrate the lasting consequences:

The illusion of financial security

Kashvi quit her job soon after marriage, trusting in the apparent affluence of her spouse's family.

But the rich lifest...