5. Rent or own?

Should your first place as a couple be a rental, or are you ready to buy your first home? Consider whether you want to stay in a particular area for enough years to make it worthwhile to buy and whether you’re ready to sign on for a mortgage. If you decide together to sign a mortgage, talk about your credit histories and scores, a blemish on the part of either partner can cause a last-minute disappointment.

6. Make sure you both can get around.

Are you covered for your transportation needs as a couple by what you have? If each of you has a car, is one a clunker that is a continuing source of headaches and expenses? Talk about whether your current vehicles meet your needs and if not, what’s the best solution. Should you purchase a new car with the peace of mind that a warranty brings, or is that going to be too much of a strain on the newlywed budget? Buy or lease? Finance or pay cash? Discussing the alternatives now will avoid tension later when the car payments or repair bills roll in.