LIFE

Top 10 Points Couples Should Consider Before Marriage

1. Compatibility

   Make sure there is a sufficient courtship period so you are as certain as possible re: compatibility. It's much more fun and easy to get married than it is to get divorced.
   

2. Conflict Resolution

   Agree in advance of marriage how you will communicate and work toward resolution of conflict after marriage. Conflict is inevitable.
   

3. Careers

   If one or both parties have careers that could involve relocation, how will that be handled?
   

4. Managing Finances

   • Joint or separate accounts?
   • How will expenses be shared?
   • Expectations related to household budgets

5. Managing Separate Property

   If separate property is co-mingled without traceability, it will loose separate property identity and be deemed community property.
   

6. Prenuptial Agreements

   Are there issues that need to be resolved contractually before marriage? If so, a prenuptial agreement may be appropriate, but remember
   
   • They are not favored by courts, but can be enforceable if reasonable and fair.
   • Won't be enforced if a party is not represented by independent counsel, is signed too close to the wedding day, or is grossly inequitable.

7. Tax Issues

   Check Tax withholding status - married filing jointly typically results in lower taxes and so you may want to adjust withholding, (but also know there might be circumstances under which you would file married filing separately).
   Consult with your CPA or tax attorney before selling real estate to determine capital gains issues, and ask about how your combined income might affect IRA deduction limits.
   

8. Full Disclosure of Debts

   Each person should fully disclose the debts and financial responsibilities they are bringing into the marriage.
   

9. Family Planning

   If the couple plans having children, they should make sure they are on same page relative to
   
   • timing
   • goals and expectations for development, education and associated expenses,
   • religion,
   • will one party stop working and who will it be, and
   • how to best manage blended families.

10. Estate Planning

    • Create or change wills as necessary.
    • Consider durable power of attorney, living wills, etc.
    • If second marriage, how will children from previous relationships be treated in estate planning? 
    
    Source: http://www.mckinleyirvin.com/resources/resourcesandchecklists/top_ten_points_marriage.html

Golden rules to keep romance alive

Getting into a relationship is easy, but keeping it alive is the difficult part. There are plenty of things, big or small, that an wreck an otherwise great relationship. Now, Dr Barton Goldsmith, a California-based psychotherapist and the author of '100 Ways to Boost Your Self-Confidence - Believe in Yourself and Others Will Too' reveals what all can kill romantic relationships and how to save it from falling apart.

Money: It's the root of all evils, as they say. If a partner has been unscrupulous, getting the trust back can be a challenge, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.

Sex/infidelity: A sexless marriage or unfaithfulness can extinguish love quicker than blowing out a candle. Don't let the flame burn out and try to renew your sex life.

Disrespect: Research shows that belittling, insulting or yelling at your partner can cut the chances of your relationship's survival.

Children: Some live for them, others would rather kill themselves. Make sure to keep things in balance with your partner, so you have the energy to deal with any child issues.

Opposite-sex friends: If you don't want your spouse/partner to dine out and have drinks with a member of the opposite sex, then you need to follow the same guidelines.

Resentments: Don't hold your pain, hurt or anger inside. If you are harbouring some resentment talk it out and put the matter to rest, so you can enjoy your relationship.

Lying/broken promises: Even if you're afraid of getting in trouble, tell the whole truth and don't break promises, and find a way to make up for past mistakes.

Laziness: Keeping a relationship is hard work, and if you are unwilling to do it, your connection will diminish and you will begin to resent your partner.

Being mean: If you punish your partner when you don't get your way, or if the two of you give each other the silent treatment, you are headed for a lifetime of emotional pain. Stop the nastiness and learn to talk about it.

Discomfort/remodeling. If you are living in a construction zone, it's pretty hard to feel comfortable. Injury or illness can create a similar situation. Your home should be a place of serenity, so if you are remodelling or are dealing with physical issues, make your comfort a priority.