jdmanuel - good advise my friend visit mine: http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/jdmanuel/2007-online-money-ventures.html

nagasri - Nice information

varushar - No matter how well you keep the secret, the moment when it gets uncovered, u get embarrassed . So , in my opinion , no secret between husband and wives..and in money matters.. it is a big NO NO

- I think there should be no secret to maintain good relationship.

- Great info

buggles - I agree wholeheartedly, with the rise of lay offs and the economy plummeting...marriages are also dissolving, it's like quick sand.  I've been married twice.  My first marriage, I had no say in any financial decsion.  When it was time to go grocery shopping, I was handed a $20.00 bill.  That marriage lasted 16 years.

My second marriage lasted not quite four.  I was given the sole responsibility of all financial debts.  I was responsible for paying the rent, electricity, etc...WE didn't have a budget.  I would consciously decide to spend $20.00 on meat (usually hamburger) for two weeks.  My husband at the time was clueless and would hound me for money all the time..."I need gas in the vehicle."  I always felt guilty when I had to replay "there isn't any extra money." 

I definitely think it wise for anyone considering "living" with anyone or even contemplating the idea of getting married, to get the money topic out on the table before your lives become intertwined.  All financial decisions should be made as a couple, and a budget is a great way to start.

Geeva Nathan (Guest) - If love is blind, why not sacrifice for the other. However, you would know that like attracts like. If you are the saving type, you would naturally fall for the thrifty ones. If you are the spendthrift, those with extravagant tastes will come looking for you. Unless you have gone into the relationship due to the other reasons (i.e. status, wealth, etc). 

But when you find your partner having got into trouble due to one wrong move in life and struggling to overcome it, why not give a helping shoulder? But true lovers will not want to burden the other, neither. And usually out of gratitude that the other would want to contribute or extend help.