Long before a bride and groom walks down the aisle to enter wedded bliss, the pair should have their affairs in order, financial affairs, that is. Too often though, couples are blinded by love and forget that money is the leading cause of arguments in a marriage and a major contributor in many divorces. With some planning and discussion early on, engaged couples can avoid financial pitfalls and pave the way for a secure future together.

These simple tips will help unify partners early on, so that once they say "I do," they’ll be on the right track in love and in money.

Honest communication is key

We’ve all heard a horror story or two about a bride who finds out too late that her husband is up to his eyeballs in debt or a groom who kept her compulsive spending a secret. Marriage is about trust, and it’s hard to trust someone who keeps important financial information a secret. Finding out each other’s monetary priorities, spending habits, savings and debts and reviewing credit reports can help husbands and wives avoid major money disagreements after they’re married. When it’s time for this talk, couples should also discuss whether they’ll have joint or separate bank accounts, so there won’t be any question later. If one is a spender and one is a saver, separate accounts with money set aside for household expenses may work best, but it’s up to each couple to decide what is best for their marriage.

Be Aggressive

After having the big financial talk, couples should examine their debts and make a plan to reduce their debt. Credit card balances usually carry the highest interest rate, so that debt should be paid off as quickly as possible. Car payments are another type of high interest debt that should be attacked right away. Other debts, such as mortgage payments or student loans may take longer, but usually have lower interest rates. Couples should also make it a point to live for the future. Rather than buying on impulse, or keeping up with the Jones’, couples should focus on their long-term goals, like a new home, vacations, or starting a family. Once couples have a plan in place, they can start making strides to get out of debt and stay out.