6 Smart Ways for Married Couples to Approach the Subject of Joint Finances

It would probably come as no surprise to you to find out that money is the biggest bone of contention in the majority of marriages. Most often the arguments start over the lack of enough money or the contention that one spouse or the other spends more than their share. It doesn't really matter what the fights are over, though, because money issues are the single greatest reason why many marriages end in divorce. This article is going to spell out for you 6 ways that couples can avoid making common financial errors that take tolls on relationships.

1. Your method of merging your joint incomes after you marry can make a lot of difference in how smoothly your financial issues are resolved. While some couples prefer to keep all of their money separate, that isn't necessarily the best approach. Instead, they should pool all of their resources into a joint fund that is considered “ours”, however, you may need to try several different ways of managing your finances before you find something that both of you are comfortable with.

2. Approach the issue of debts incurred prior to marriage as joint responsibilities and make it a point not to fight over them. Keep in mind that when you marry someone with a lot of debt, their credit rating is going to affect your joint ability to obtain credit. It might also be wise to have a prenuptial agreement in order to protect one spouse's assets from the creditors of the other.

3. Work together when deciding on the financial risks you take to meet your goals. Studies have shown 62% of men and only 19% of women are willing to take risks with their money, so to keep the peace within your union, you need to reach compromises that will satisfy both partners.

4. Live within the budget you have decided on together. Even if both of you love to spend money, you don't want to build up huge debts, and there will be things in your future that you want to save for, such as your children's educations and retirement. Even though these things seem a long time away, they'll happen before you're ready unless you make it a point to be thrifty.

5. Make a practice of being far-sighted and working towards investment goals within time frames that the two of you have decided on. Consider when you're going to need the money you're risking. If it's something you're going to need within the next few months, then you won't want to take a big risk with it. However, if you have money you can afford to have tied up in the long-term, you can choose more risky but higher-paying investments. Review your portfolio every year and make joint decisions about whether you're meeting your goals or need to make changes.

6. Plan for emergencies. If they never materialize, you'll be money ahead. However, if something should happen, you'll be prepared financially.

Too many couples try to keep financial secrets from each other, and this can doom their marriages. Never put money away that your spouse isn't aware of, and level with each other about how much you spend. Your relationship will be stronger if everything is honest and above-board.