It’s Valentine’s Day. A day that is supposed to be about celebrating your love and relationship – but celebrating can be difficult if there are money tensions getting in the way. Financial matters are a common trouble maker in romantic relationships, frequently cited as one of the top causes of fights between spouses. Attitudes about money and spending habits can be very different, and you are likely to find yourself in a relationship with someone who handles money a little (or a lot) differently than you do. Whether you are newly coupled or many years married, it is never too early or too late for couples to discuss their finances.  The key to success is discussing finances before complications arise. Here are a few tips to protect your relationship from the money blues. 1. Talk about it. I know. No one likes to talk about money —with family, friends and often not even with our spouses. But you should be having conversations about money with your partner long before move in together or walk down the aisle. Talk about your saving and spending habits, any outstanding student loans, or other debt. Talk about your long and short term goals, your philosophy towards money, and how money was managed in your home while growing up. Have these discussions at a place and time where you both feel comfortable, and try to leave other subjects off the agenda. 2. Be understanding In any relationship, chances are good that one person is going to be the spender and one the saver. Recognize your habits and try to curb behaviours that cause tension with your partner. Understand that your partner views money differently, and be clear about what habits they may have that you find bothersome or stressful. 3. Share the workload Don’t fall into the trap of one partner managing (or micromanaging) the finances with the other feeling clueless as to your financial status. Share the financial chores, the knowledge, and the worry. You may choose to sit together and pay bills as a team, or alternating paying bills and checking balances one month at a time. 4. Work together on a joint financial plan. For long term financial success, it is highly recommended that you set goals with your partner, create a detailed financial plan and budget. Make lists of what you each own and what you owe to lenders. Determine your comfort level and risk tolerance. Decide on what you want and what you need — today and in the future. Want more great money management tips? Share your money tips for couples below, on our Facebook page, or tweet them to @B4UInvest, and you could win a copy of The Smart Cookies Guide to Couples and Money by the Smart Cookies and The Wealthy Barber Returns by David Chilton. Contest open to Nova Scotia residents only, and closes at 4pm AST, February 14, 2012. Not in a couple? Enter anyway, we have lots of great books we can substitute as your prize. Related posts:Money and romance Couples argue about money more than almost anything else.  Money...Five Tips for Controlling and Enjoying Your Holiday Spending It’s the 8th of December and my holiday shopping is...Make it Count on your iPhone Looking to better understand and monitor your spending? There’s an...Invest in these stocking stuffers Only 10 days till Christmas. Have you got your shopping...Starting the year off right – with a realistic budget Monday we talked about various financial resolutions you might make,...Tagged as: budget, contest, couples, financial goals Share & Bookmark This Story! Bookmark on Delicious StumbleUpon Google BookmarksTip'd...