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.

Track

Couples should try to keep track of their expenses for at least two months. This exercise can be an eye opener for husbands and wives who just can’t figure out where their money is going each month. Also, by keeping track, it's easier to see which expenditures are necessities and which are frivolous. A $4 latte each morning before work may not seem like much, but that equals $20 a week and a whopping $80 a month. Couples may find that they’re spending too much money on dinners out, and that by cooking themselves, they can save more money. Computer programs are available to help track spendings, but a simple notepad kept in a purse or pocket is just as good and sometimes more efficient.

Budget

Once spendings are tracked for a few months, engaged couples should set up a do-able budget for their married life. This should include savings for a home, cars and retirement. If a couple plans to live on two incomes at first, but scale back to one when children are born, the budget should reflect those plans. Discretionary income for both the husband and wife will allow a little financial independence, so that neither will feel too financially strapped.

Save 

Couples should plan to keep at least three to six month’s worth of expenses in a savings account for emergencies such as job loss, illness or unexpected bills. This money should not be touched except for a financial hardship. This sort of cushion is important for any couple who wants to get ahead financially. Without it, one setback can spell fiscal disaster for a newlywed couple. Money being saved for big purchases, like a house, should be set aside that money in a safe and secure place, like a six- or 12- month cd or money market account.

Review 

After the honeymoon is over, couples should make a regular date to review their budget and make necessary changes. This date can take place weekly, monthly, quarterly or as often as needed for both the husband and wife to feel secure. All the details of their financial situation should be available to each person, and they should communicate openly about big purchases, extra income and savings. Seeing a financial advisor may also be in order, for couples who want more information on savings, or those who are ready to make substantial investments.

So in the midst of choosing a cake and addressing invitations, couples should make plans to get their finances in order. Then, their happily-ever-after won’t depend on the checkbook.