Once you understand each other's views about money, work with your spouse to develop a joint money strategy that incorporates both of your individual ideals, says Roberto Viceconte, senior manager of the accounting firm WeiserMazars in New York. Even if one partner will be responsible for paying bills or keeping up with the budget, both partners need to be involved in strategizing and setting joint goals.
"Coming together and developing common ground and new goals as a couple will help avoid one of the major causes of marital conflict," Viceconte says. "The saver realizes you can't save every dollar while the spender learns you can't spend every dollar."
Viceconte says he has seen many couples allow each party a certain budgeted amount to do with as they please, while budgeting a majority of money toward household bills and joint goals. "In this way, partners can have their individual splurges while keeping themselves focused on their goals as a couple," he says.