One of the major causes of disagreements between new bridal couples is money and it is important to sit down and consider your financial situation.

A Joint Bank Account ?

Banks and building societies offer joint accounts and this can be one of the easiest ways of arranging your combined finances. Having one account should mean that there are no arguments about who pays which bill i.e. telephone bill V’s gas bill for example. Then again, it can be a nightmare if one partner spends more, or isn’t a cash conscious as their partner. It is important to be honest from the outset about spending and outgoings, and remember that any debts are also jointly owned!!

Some couples prefer to have separate accounts and responsibility for different financial obligations i.e. one partner pays for the mortgage and the other pays the household bills. Another option is to set up a third account, (each of you retain your own separate one) and this account is purely for the mortgage, bills etc and you transfer X amount into at the end or beginning of every month to cover the essentials.

Another bone of contention can be:- Housework

Now that you’re married and all the hype has died down, you’ve watched the video/DVD, back from honeymoon and back into work again. Feeling a little down, and the washing meets you at the utility door……… Some might think it’s lucky to have made it that far from the bedroom where sometimes it can just lie on the floor and become one with the room!! Try not to blow a fuse but be warned “Start as you mean to go on”. I know I sound like my Mum when I say that (something I have tried to avoid for years but it catches up on us all). Let’s face it – there’s pretty strong opinions on this issue for all concerned. Some men have had their Mum’s do just about everything for them until “YOU” came along and stole him from her, so you can hardly complain about having to wash a few shirts, trousers etc., right ? Wrong!! Likewise, some women can be lazy when it comes to housework and it’s the guys who do the cleaning – unusual I know, but it does happen. If both of you loathe doing the necessary , don’t fall out over it – hire some home help. Whatever it may cost financially, if it saves a row, a partner being sulky, wasted time where you could have shared a bottle of wine it’s worth every penny. Good Luc