It may seem like a match made in heaven. But if you haven't talked money yet, financial troubles could stand in the way of life-long happiness. That's because marriage is the meeting of the hearts — and the pocketbooks. Most couples don't spend enough time discussing how they'll merge their finances and address differences in financial behaviors.

Couples responding to a recent survey¹ say the biggest issues are spending too much and saving too little. Although discussing taboo money topics won't solve everything, coming clean about debt and opening up about your priorities will help the two of you establish and work toward common financial goals.

Plan ahead with your financial future in mind...

• Play the newlywed "game"
  Answers every couple should know

• Save more, spend less
  Easy tips for tracking and balancing a budget

• Is your spouse protected?
  Get your finances in order...just in case

• Special issues for second marriages
  More assets, and possibly children, add up to a greater need for planning