Here are 4 of the most common money mistakes couples make during their marriage:

Lack of Effective Communication

When couples do not talk about money issues on a regular basis, both halves of the couple are likely to be on two very different pages. In order for couples to effectively manage their money, they need to effectively talk about money matters every week. This communication should involve establishing a budget together for the household and setting spending limitations and guidelines. There are no right answers to how thing should be set up. It is up to the couple specifically to share their ideas and input equally.

Hiding Spending Secrets

As part of open and honest money communication, it is essential that couples not keep spending secrets. A big problem with joining incomes is the feeling of not being able to make independent financial decisions. This could be avoided by establishing cash allowances to each party to spend at their own discretion such as for surprise birthday gifts. Secrets about money can cause a lot of ill-will and bitter feelings. Open communication can allow for better, more effective money management when both parties have equal input.

Undiscovered Money Styles

Long before you head down the aisle, you and your spouse should have had some discussion about money personalities. People have different methods for dealing with their income and debts. If those personality styles clash, it can set up some big barriers in the marriage. Before you tie the knot, consider the best way for you and your partner to handle combining bank accounts and handling debts together. Otherwise you can expect issues down the road when neither of you is willing to compromise.

Inconsistent Expectations

Another component of communication where money is concerned is about both parties having appropriate expectations about money. It is important to find equal ground where short and long-term financial goals are concerned. Both parties should also voice their expectations where money matters are concerned such as how financial obligations and duties will be divided up and what methods will be used for saving, investing, and spending.

Money issues can start small but soon become a growing snowball of other problems. When money is already tight, disagreements about financial matters can get out of control. As stated, it is in your best interest to sit down with your intended and discuss crucial money matters during the time when you discuss other goals as a couple. While your financial goals may differ, there is always a way to find equal ground and be able to manage money together in an efficient and effective way.

4 Money Mistakes Common in Marriage was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

There are many things couples can do to prevent this scenario. Here are some tips to mull over about marriage and money.

1. Communication is Essential

If you are not talking collectively about money, chances are good that one half of the couple will overspend. Without setting limits that both parties are aware of and not having a budget, couples can easily get overwhelmed with debt, late payments, and overall money mismanagement. Set a time each week to discuss income, bills, savings plans – whatever financial issues might be in need of analysis. Balance the checkbook and pay the bills together so both parties are fully aware of where they stand.

2. Find Common Ground

For many couples, there may be a situation where one is a spender and the other is a saver. Without the proper communication, a couple’s financial goals are a moot point. Find common ground and make priorities for your financial direction. Discuss what is most important – saving for college, buying a home, establishing an emergency fund. Whatever financial goals you have, write them down and review them often. Having a common goal to work towards can and will often strengthen the relationship you already have.

3. Make Important Banking Decisions

Once married, many couples immediately dissolve their separate accounts and combine all of the money into a joint account. It may not always be the best avenue to travel. In sticking with a budget, couples should feel good about having a sense of financial independence. Just because you each have a separate bank account as well as a joint account, does not mean that as a couple you lack trust. It may lessen the burden to have your “own money” to spend as you see fit, provided a budget and goals have been set.

4. Have a Plan for the Golden Years

Looking forward to the future with your beloved, it is wise to establish a plan for retirement early in life. It gives you both the opportunity to save up more for a longer period of time. A good rule of thumb is to put away 10% of your income into an emergency fund. Once you have built up a good bulk of money, plan to invest it into a retirement account and keep saving. Even if you are living paycheck to paycheck, you can likely find a something to sacrifice to save that 10%. Consider it a big investment into your future golden years together and have fun planning for those days to come.

5. Work Together

In many cases only one half of the couple will come into the marriage with financial baggage. If you are willing to make the commitment to each other “for richer or poorer”, you better be willing to mean it. Debt needs to be handled by both parties. This is important for your emotional well-being as a couple but also because the debt of your partner, if not handled correctly, can carry over to your own credit score and affect you negatively.

6. Live A Life Without Secrets

Financial secrets can be devastating to a marriage. If you or your partner go out and make a large purchase or hide any past debts, it is likely the trust factor will be broken, leaving your relationship in the dust. When you marry, you make a commitment that is meant to last a lifetime. Hiding information, no matter how embarrassing it may be, can cost you a lot more than money. It will likely cost you your marriage. Be open and upfront when it comes to finances or you will find yourself very single and very much in debt.

Talking Marriage and Money was created by and is property of American Consumer News.