My wife, Ann, and I got married at Christmas our senior year in college. This year we will celebrate 39 years of marriage! Unfortunately, it took us 21 years before we were on the same page financially.

It finally took a Crown Study in 1999 to get us aligned financially. There is so much freedom when spouses are united around what the Bible says about money and setting proper goals. But that doesn’t make it easy!

No matter how long you have been married, it can be difficult to get on the same page as your spouse about money. But there’s no better time to start than now, especially if you are just starting out.

Here are 5 financial tips for newlyweds from Kiplinger.com:

1. Don’t jack up your lifestyle.
2. Live on one salary, save the other.
3. Max out retirement savings.
4. Get some insurance.
5. Enjoy life together.

In addition, I suggest you:

• Establish the discipline of tithing and saving from the start
• Decide who is going to pay the bills
• Organize your financial records and banking documents
• Create a budget
• Eliminate all high-interest credit card debt
• Establish your emergency fund
• Make your spouse the beneficiary on all accounts, and create a will
• Discuss short- and long-term financial plans
• Seek the advice of a trusted mentor

Fidelity.com has a Getting Married Checklist with some very practical tips. Regardless of whether you have questions about short-term needs or long-term strategies, you may benefit from their suggestions.

And, unless your parents are paying for your wedding, your immediate goal may be paying for the big event. If that’s the case, remember to spend wisely and avoid going into debt.

Deuteronomy 6:5 says, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” Honoring Him with all He’s provided for you is the best way to start a marriage.

Did you know that we offer a comprehensive online course in biblical financial management? The MoneyLife Personal Finance Study will help you get out of debt, increase savings, and decrease stress. It’d be a great way for you and your future spouse to get on the same page and avoid some fights down the road.