Honesty is the best policy when it comes to discussing financial issues with your significant other. ‘The Talk’ becomes especially important prior to getting married. Here are some tips to get the conversation started.

Stay Calm. It may be a good idea to approach the topic with a positive viewpoint. For example, have you ever discussed with each other short-term or long-term financial goals such as traveling together or purchasing a home? You may want to start by expressing how exciting that goal is and then lead into how the two of you plan to achieve that goal.

Discuss How You Feel About Money. Different couples will have different approaches to managing money so it is important to know each other’s thoughts on how financial matters should be managed. Do you expect to share a checking account or will the two of you have separate accounts? Have the two of you discussed each other’s spending/ saving philosophies? Working through these issues now may save you future conflict.

Tackling Debt. If you are working to reduce debt, it would be wise to discuss that with your future spouse/partner if you haven’t already done so. Be honest as to how you got into debt and then back that up with how you are working to overcome it. In addition, your significant other should also be honest about student loans payments, child support or other financial obligations he/she may have.

Budget Together. Try to sit down together each month and go over your spending plan. You have access to a wide variety of educational materials through your debt negotiation company. Feel free to share these materials with your future spouse/partner so that both of you can benefit from ideas regarding spending/saving.

Vow To Make Financial Talks Part Of Your Relationship. Over 65 percent of engaged couples questioned for a recent survey admitted to having negative attitudes about discussing money with the person they plan to marry. It is crucial that you and the person you plan to spend your life with feels comfortable discussing financial issues all the time – not just when things get tough.