Numerous studies show that managing money can be the most divisive issue between married couples. One might be a spender; the other, a saver. Those opposing ideas of money and marriage can make finance one of the most difficult and potentially explosive topics for couples to discuss, leading to marital disharmony over spending.
"Talking about money doesn't come naturally," says Jane Honeck, author of "The Problem with Money?" Even though most people's parents talked to them about money, few parents teach their children about the beliefs and values of money management, she says.
"When we come together as a couple, we arrive from different money perspectives. … At the end of the day, money communication is difficult and leads to more challenging money issues," Honeck says.
Here are five things you can do to forge better money communication with your spouse, helping you become joint money managers.