Contrary to romantic narratives, men's decisions to commit are driven by a list of practical, factual criteria like compatible values, shared future direction, and productive communication. While important, feelings of 'love and connection' are not the primary factors that make someone the right person to marry.

Your choice of a life partner has a greater impact on your financial future than any career or investment. Financial incompatibility is the number one reason for divorce, underscoring that marriage is a financial contract at its core, where alignment on money matters more than romantic feelings for long-term stability.

Couples make two fatal, opposing assumptions. First, that marriage will fix a partner's existing flaws. Second, that the person they marry will not fundamentally change over decades. A successful marriage requires accepting current flaws while preparing to grow alongside an evolving partner.

Unwillingness to talk about finances is a significant warning sign in a relationship. This secrecy often indicates underlying money problems, poor spending habits, or a hidden lack of resources. Open financial communication is essential for building a stable and trusting partnership.

The search for a 'perfect' partner is futile. Like an entrepreneur choosing a business, find someone who ticks the essential boxes and then commit to building something great together. An extraordinary relationship isn't found; it's created through sustained effort with a well-chosen partner.

Couples fixate on trivial, low-stakes spending ("$3 questions") like buying coffee, while ignoring crucial, high-impact financial conversations ("$300,000 questions"). These include assessing financial alignment, setting joint investment goals, and establishing positive communication routines about money.

The most significant financial problem in a relationship isn't differing spending habits, but a complete unwillingness to talk about money. This "financial avoidance" prevents any possibility of understanding or creating a shared vision, making it an insurmountable obstacle if not addressed.

Before fully combining finances, the founders used a shared debit card for joint expenses like travel and home goods. This created a practical, low-stakes environment to learn financial accountability to each other and manage a shared budget. It served as a successful first test of their financial partnership before marriage and business.

Divorce can be financially devastating, potentially erasing decades of wealth through legal fees and asset division. Therefore, choosing a life partner is not just an emotional decision but a crucial financial one. Ensuring financial compatibility and considering a prenuptial agreement are vital risk management strategies.