When you choose your partner, your "financial compatibility" with them might not, consciously at least, have been a major factor in why you ended up together.

Even if your partner is a high earner, and this was reflected in their status, this doesn't necessarily mean your life together will be financially rosy. Financial compatibility issues often only materialise after the couple has committed to living together and merge their finances - this is sometimes when the problems can begin.

A recent survey by Scottish Widows' revealed that 17% of people have strained relationships due to a lack of shared financial goals and attitudes towards money. The same percentage (17%) wish they had discussed finances earlier in their relationship, with 34% of divorcees citing persistent financial worries as a reason for their break-up.

So it's a "hot button topic". Therefore, it is important that you map out and plan for your financial future and aspirations in a relationship and become more aware of and sensitive to each other's attitudes towards money. However, even if these discussions reveal significant differences, there are opportunities to be open and honest and compromise. 

Here are our tips for success:

1. Understand your attitude towards money. Take a "Money Motivations" attitudes and behaviours test, which reveals the deep-rooted attitudes and feelings about money and how this affects your decisions and behaviours and share the results. Some of these behaviours start in childhood. For example, if you are more casual about spending your money, but your partner counts every penny and checks every bill, this might be because they lived through a more frugal childhood. You might already know this or might find out. It will help you understand.

2. Be honest: Surveys suggest that 11% of people in relationships do not share salary details with their partner, while 57% don't know how much their partner has in their bank account. As a couple, though, it's essential to know the ins and outs of all your expenses. Unfortunately, not having these discussions can lead to resentment. So try making a list of everything you spend each month. Then, after everything has been added up, ask yourself this question: How do I pay for all of this? You can start to grasp your finances and develop better financial management by answering this fundamental question.

3. Budget: One way to keep track of your finances is through a budget. It takes a little effort, but it's a great way to get a quick snapshot of the money you have coming in and going out, how much you need for necessities like food and bills and how much you have leftover. You'll also be able to spot opportunities to make savings.

4. Share your financial responsibilities: Not everyone has the same values regarding money. One may be a bigger spender in a relationship and the other more frugal. But from the start, it's essential to make decisions together and share joint financial responsibilities. This ensures that everything is fair and transparent cut on both sides.

5. Set Goals: For any couple, it's essential to have a long-term plan – and that applies to your finances as well. Whether planning for a wedding, buying a house or just saving for a rainy day, thinking long-term helps you plan for the future and prepare for costs that may arise along the way.