If you’re planning to get married soon, you’ve likely got a lot on your mind as you make preparations for the big day. However, what you’ll soon find to be more important is how you and your partner have prepared for life after the wedding, particularly from a financial aspect.

Without the right planning and decision making when you’re dating or engaged, you and your future spouse could run into some major financial issues that could have easily been dealt with earlier on. So to help ensure that money isn’t something that becomes a sticking point in your marriage, here are three smart financial decisions to make as you prepare to get married.

Consider A Prenuptial Agreement

One of the best things you can do for yourself and your financial situation before you get married, according to Dana Dratch, a contributor to CreditCards.com, is to get a prenuptial agreement. While it can be something awkward to bring up to your partner, as no one wants to think about getting divorced before they’ve even gotten married, having a prenup can make your financial life a lot easier to manage if you do ever wind up getting divorced. 

With a prenuptial agreement in place before you say “I do”, you and your partner will know exactly how your pre-marriage assets will be split up in the event that you do get divorced. And since the financial aspect is often the stickiest part of divorce proceedings, you could really save yourself in the future by having this plan in place from the get-go. 

Make A Plan To Reduce Debt and Start Saving

To have you and your future spouse start off at the best possible place financially, Chris Muller, a contributor to Money Under 30, recommends that you and your partner do whatever you can or is necessary to reduce your debt and build your savings before your big day. 

By doing this, you and your partner won’t have to take on so much of each other’s debt when you get married, and you’ll be prepared to face any financial problems you didn’t anticipate when starting your life together. 

Know Each Other’s Financial Obligations and Desires

Because two people can have vastly different ideas about money and finances, it’s wise to have a very frank conversation with your partner before you walk down the aisle.

According to the editors of AllBusiness.com, you and your partner should talk about things like budgeting, current financial obligations, expectations for your money, what your credit scores are, and what your plans are for your long-term financial goals. 

If you’re about to join your life with someone else, consider using the tips mentioned above to ensure you make the right financial decisions at this crucial time.