Think it through, and those conclusions makes sense: A low credit score is a sign that you may be struggling with bills, and financial stress is never great for household harmony.

Also, having a totally different credit score from your partner likely indicates that you have contrasting approaches to money, also a potential indicator of marital strife.

Fear not, lovers: One credit snapshot does not represent your whole money story.

"We all come from different economic levels, and it is very rare for two people to come together who spend and save in the exact same way," says Bari Tessler, a Boulder, Colorodo-based financial therapist and author of the upcoming book "The Art of Money." "Credit is just one more thing to be worked through and negotiated."

Secrets

In some cases, low credit scores might be clues to negative behavior, like keeping secrets.

"That could definitely affect marriage and longevity," Tessler says.

In other cases, stinky credit might simply reveal normal life transitions, like being laid off, raising a new baby or having temporary trouble covering the mortgage.

"That's just real life," she says.

Now here is the good news: Whatever a couples' respective credit situation, it is something you can work on together, even if, as the Federal Reserve data indicates, the odds may be against you.