When you get married, it is important to understand how household finances will work in your relationship. That means you need to have several conversations about where both of you stand financially, and decide to combine or coordinate your new household’s accounts and debt. The first step in that process is to review both of your credit reports and identify your strengths and weaknesses, such as a history of late payments or outstanding debt. Next, you and your spouse should list all sources of income and expenses. Take a stern look at this and  make a plan. There are many strategies for combining finances, and no matter which one you choose, it’s important to agree on a joint budget and decide who is going to pay for what.