Lets Talk Money Online - Learn to avoid speed bumps when finances merge

Marriage can be the perfect union of two lives, but it can also bring an imperfect merger of separate finances. To avoid making money the reason for your first and subsequent arguments, set a few ground rules before you get married.

Honesty really is . . . the best policy. Share freely. Keeping secrets now will only make any financial challenges bigger when they come out in the open later -- and they almost always do.

Some debt isn't bad . . . because a record of paying debt promptly can raise your credit score. However, too much debt is never a good thing, and not paying that debt on time is even worse. While there are better ways to begin your financial lives together, you can repair the damage. Vow never to miss a payment again, reduce debt levels and eventually reach a point where you pay off credit card bills in full each month.

Budget is not . . . a suggestion, but a vitally important foundation behind creating and maintaining a successful financial union. Budgeting doesn't mean you can't buy anything on a whim, but give that whim a value -- and don't exceed that number.

Nothing can put you in a financial hole faster than an uninsured medical expense or disability. And, if you're young and think you are invincible, pick up a newspaper just about any day and read about young people who suffer serious sports injuries or automobile accidents.

Can you pay thousands of dollars of medical costs out-of-pocket? Can you live without your salary for six months? Health and disability income insurance can help make sure you don't have to if you have a qualifying condition.

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