by JQ Adams

Created on: June 10, 2009   Last Updated: June 12, 2009

Getting married soon? Take the time before the marriage begins to ask some serious questions about money and financial management. If you both know the answers to these questions, then you will be in a better position to handle situations that arise by using the strengths of the partner who is good in that area.

This is especially true of married couples. Usually one is better than the other at saving and managing money, and the other is better at spending. The sooner you learn this the better. Here are some questions you need to ask of each other.

Do you have checking accounts?

Do you balance them every month?

Do you have savings accounts?

How many credit cards do you both have?

Do you pay off the balances every month?

For what do you use your credit cards?

Do you keep receipts for your purchases?

How much debt do each of you have?

Do you have a budget and are you using it?

Do you have health insurance?

Do you have life insurance?

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy?

These are starting point questions. There are others as well, but these will provide a good look at how the person is with money management. Keep in mind that when you marry, you also marry the other person's financial successes and problems. And it is better to know up front than not at all going into the marriage.

In fact, it is a good idea to consult with a financial adviser before the wedding in order to discuss these issues and form a plan based on the information that will help set a solid foundation for financial success.

It is true that one of the most stressful areas in a marriage is that of finances, so why would you begin a marriage without first talking about it and understanding where both are coming from so that small problems do not become big problems. That is what often leads to the breakdown of a marriage. Issues that come between a couple and turn into major problems lead to divorce.

Do not let this happen to you. Go into your marriage with your eyes wide open. Keep in mind that just because your intended has some work to do on the financial areas of life does not mean that they will not be a great partner. Everyone has the potential to become a great spouse. In fact, learning to work together on the issues of life like this will strengthen your marriage, not tear it down.

Take the time today to begin to lay the foundation for a successful marriage on the topic of money. You will not regret the time spent in this endeavor.

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