Money is the leading cause of marital and relationship troubles. 40% of married couples have serious, recurring arguments about money, according to Matt Bell, author of “Planning for Fewer Fights with Your Spouse.”In a survey by American Express, 27% of respondents said they had lied to their partner about the amount of a purchase, and 30% reported hiding purchases from a partner.Many couples have different values around money, and neglecting to take the time to hash out issues can potentially ruin relationships.MORE FROM LEARN VEST: Is Cohabiting Better Than Marriage For Your Happiness?But you can improve your financial intimacy. Here are five tips to do just that:1. Hold a Monthly Financial Discussion NightSit down with your partner every month and go over your spending and savings plan. Look at everything you bought during the past month and everything you’rethinking of buying soon, and ask yourselves, “Is this really a need or a want”? Also discuss and update your long-term and short-term financial and savings goals. Ask if the purchases you’re considering will move you closer to your goals. If you have children over age 6 or 7, include them in your monthly family finance night. It’s a great way to prepare your kids to be financially successful and responsible adults.MORE FROM LEARN VEST: 6 Lessons From Children About Finance2. Share Responsibility It’s common today for one partner to play the primary role in managing finances, but both partners should be aware and involved. Make all decisions about major purchases together.3. Eliminate Debt to Outside Financial InstitutionsDebt is deadly to many relationships. A top priority should be to reduce and eliminate debt to banks and credit card companies. Make spending decisions consciously. Build an emergency fund that can help you weather life’s emergencies. LearnVest recommends stockpiling enough to cover at least six months of living expenses.4. Have a ‘Plan B’What’s your back-up plan if things change? What if one of you loses a job or wants to go back to school? What if one of you gets a job in another part of the country?5. How to Take the First StepThere’s no time like the present to start or deepen the money conversation with your partner. Keep an eye out for the brand-new Getting Hitched Bootcamp (one of our many awesome bootcamps), where you’ll be able to take quizzes on your money personalities and figure out how best to manage and combine your assets.MORE FROM LEARNVEST: Priceless Style Boot Camp 

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