Spending money can become an emotional rather than a strategic issue.  The following issues can help you start the discussion.

MERGING THE FINANCES

Most couples (64%) put all their money in joint accounts while some keep separate accounts and others had both.  When first becoming a committed couple there may still need to be a certain level of autonomy over money as well as learning how to handle finances as a couple.  Later, when the kids and house payments come, it might be just easier to keep a joint account.

KEEPING SPENDING IN CHECK

Men and women tend to spend about the same amount of money but on different things.  Studies show that women tend to take care of the family’s daily expenses: the groceries, bills, cloths while men spend on large purchases like plasma TVs, cars or computers.  Because the spending is so different, the perception of who is the big spender is different.

Talking about how you’re going to merge your finances can lead to talking about what you want to spend your money on. 

By dealing with your money strategically instead of emotionally, you can avoid one of the biggest difficulties many marriages face.