For a capitalist country, we have funny behaviors when it comes to money. Everyone wants to have money (or at least appear to have money) but few people really talk about money in a constructive way. In fact, most people find talking about money impolite. I've noticed that talking about money makes people even more uncomfortable than talking about politics, which is saying a lot.

This article and its nine financial discussion topics is a good read.

Love & Money

Nine questions partners should ask each other before getting married

By JEFF D. OPDYKE

March 27, 2006

Couples talk about a lot of things when they're planning to get married. How many kids they want, where they'll live, how often they'll visit the in-laws, sex.

But there's one topic that often feels too personal to talk about. And that's money.

In their rush down the aisle, couples often think that love will overcome any disagreements about saving and spending. It doesn't. And so even among the most compatible couples, the prewedding vow of personal-finance silence eventually leads to frustration, fights and power struggles.

"These are conversations that you have to have, because you don't want to wait until later when it potentially could unravel things very, very quickly," says Lauren Gadkowski, a financial planner in Covington, La. "Talking about money doesn't mean you're going to fight about money. But if you don't talk about money, then that's where the problems begin."

1. What are your financial assets and liabilities?
2. How do you use debt?
3. What is your money history?
4. Do we need a prenup?
5. What are your financial aspirations?
6. What are your career expectations?
7. How do you propose we divide financial duties?
8. Will we operate from one checkbook or three?
9. Do you have a basic understanding of money?