Are you newly married? Or getting married soon? Know this: the root cause of most arguments among newly married couples is MONEY. And not just money, but how to spend that money. Before you get married, you should know how your partner spends money. Is he pretty loose with money? Is she the type that must pay bills the second she gets them in the mail? Individuals tied together by marriage must learn to work together towards common financial and other goals.

Here are some ways on how you and your partner can make the ‘financial aspect’ of your marriage harmonious and organized:

1. Understand the way that you both look at money.

If you and your spouse have different beliefs when it comes to money matters, sit down and discuss it. The key here is the ability to compromise. On one extreme, you have savers. On the other extreme, you have people who spend money as soon as they get it. If you and your partner are at opposite extremes, you need to sit down BEFORE you marry and come to some sort of compromise on:

a. How money will be spent

b. What money will be spent on.

c. When might be the best time during the month to spend money.

Understand that the way that you both treat and spend money stems from how you were brought up by your parents. Think of everything that you need to discuss when it comes to your household budget. If possible, set rules on how you will spend your combined income on utility bills, food, mortgage, car maintenance, etc.

2. Set future financial goals.

Try to figure out(considering your combined incomes) how much money you should have saved after one year, after two years, after five years. Also, if you intend to have children quickly, you must account for the expenses of caring for them, especially if you both work outside the home. If neither of you knows much about money or budgeting, get help organizing your finances at least six months BEFORE you plan to marry.

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