Start off right We can't avoid discussing money so we might as well have the discussion earlier rather than later. "Couples who argued about money early in their relationships -- regardless of their income, debt or net worth -- were at a greater risk for divorce," Sonya Britt, a Kansas State University researcher, found. Arguments about money are] by far the top predictor of divorce," she said. "It's not children, sex, in-laws or anything else. It's money -- for both men and women." HALF of respondents to a survey said they and their partner had different saving and spending habits. One in 5 Americans in a relationship say they have spent $500 or more and not told their partner, and 6 percent maintain secret accounts or credit cards. A survey by Ally Bank says 55 percent of respondents said that a strong budgeting and saving strategy was the most appealing money-related quality a partner or potential partner could have. In addition, three-fourths of the respondents to this survey said it was moderately or highly important to find a partner with a similar approach to money and budgeting. Our discussion should include how we pay for things we share. Most use a joint account so power struggles don't occur. Even when both of us have incomes, and perhaps our own bank account, we contribute to the joint account. Most couples can save on taxes by filing a joint tax return. It's easier with one account. Rent/mortgage, food, entertainment, transportation, and clothing are paid from a joint account according to most couples. Sharing the cost of a child's education, vacation, and home down payment requires a joint savings/investment account too. Preparing for retirement usually requires separate accounts because 401k and IRA accounts must be separate. No matter which account we put money into or take money from, we discuss it first. No surprises. We consider discussions of money issues as if we were two companions on a trip. It has to be a joint effort.