Thrifty Thinking: The New Love Deal - Everything You Must Know Before Marrying, Moving In, or Moving On

Disclosure: I received complimentary products to facilitate this post. All opinions are my own.

A new study from MONEY Magazine just released says money causes the most friction between married couples. Nearly three-quarters said they fight ​about ​it the most ahead of others triggers. I'd believe it - my husband is a spender by nature, and I'm a saver, so it's created some conflict.

​Financial expert Terry Savage is the co-author of the new book, THE NEW LOVE DEAL: Everything you MUST know before Marrying, Moving In, or Moving On. This book is a great book for any couple needing an honest conversation about money. Instead of aiming to educate about financial topics (although the book does that as well), it takes a hard, honest look at the practical issues that come up in regards to money. It was worth reading even after having been married ten years, to help us re-evaluated where we stand together and where we differ. I'd like to share six steps from Terry on tackling money differences.

Step 1: FIGURE OUT WHETHER YOU'RE A SPENDER OR SAVER. It's time to figure out just who you are when it comes to money decisions and who your partner is. Are you a saver or spender? Extreme or moderate? Are you comfortable carrying debt, or do you insist on being debt-free? What did you learn about money from your parents and how does this impact your feelings about money and marriage?

Step 2: ASSESS YOUR RISK TOLERANCE. Talk with your partner about where you are now. Do you think you are a risk taker when it comes to money? career? love? What is the most difficult type of risk for you to take - financial or emotional? What role do you think your parents played in your ability to tolerate risk? What role have your previous life experiences played? Do you think a discussion of risk and a respectful, persuasive argument for risk made by your partner could allay some of your fears in making a specific decision?

Step 3: DETERMINE YOUR MONEY MANAGEMENT STYLE. This is a practical issue and a serious one. Some people are true organizers, others are not. Talk about it. Do you pay bills the day they arrive, once a month or when you get to it? Do you track balances or assume all is OK? Do you pay your credit card in full each month or carry a balance? Do you review investments at least once a year? Do you rely on experts or are you a do-it-yourself type?

Step 4: CHECK YOUR CREDIT HISTORY. Share your past financial life. Remember your partner's credit history will easily become part of your own report as you start a life together. Be prepared.

Step 5: REVIEW YOUR ASSETS: FULL DISCLOSURE. Each partner should make a list of all assets. Discuss retirement accounts, revocable living trusts, property owned prior to marriage etc. Make a plan.

Step 6: DISCUSS ESTATE PLANNING. You don't have to be wealthy to have an "estate." Even young couples should have a plan. Know state and federal laws and put in writing how joint assets should be handled upon a sudden death of either or both partners.

These are important conversations to have at some point, but if you can follow the tips in the book before you even get married, you can hopefully head off some hot-button points down the road.