Planning a second marriage? Work out the money matters first.

That sensitive area where romance and finance intersect often plays a more prominent role in a second marriage. The reason is simple: you and your spouse are likely to have more assets, and possibly children to consider the second time around. You may also have financial obligations to a previous spouse or elderly parents who require support.

You’re wise to think about, and communicate openly about, legal and financial matters well in advance of your encore wedding. The way you and your partner navigate this terrain early on may provide a clue to whether you’ll handle financial matters amicably during your life together.

Be sure that you and your future spouse discuss your respective spending philosophies. Is one of you a saver and the other a spender? If you had to choose between a Caribbean vacation or new high definition TV, which would it be? Would your partner feel the same way? Do you agree on how much to put away for the kids’ college funds or your own retirement? Don’t forget to consider the nuts and bolts of your finances: short- and long-term saving options, investments, retirement accounts and 401(k) plans.

You may also want to consult various experts who can help you develop a plan to achieve your long-term financial objectives. When you decide to remarry, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of your wedding celebration. But remember: your lawyer, life insurance agent and financial planner can all help you build the foundation for a successful second marriage, long after that eventful day has come and gone.

Financial issues to discuss when planning a second marriage.

When you and your partner reach the point that you're contemplating a long-term relationship, it's time to begin an earnest discussion of finances. A second marriage is very different from a first marriage in terms of legal and financial issues.

For one thing, you'll need to decide how much control you want to retain over your assets. You can maintain a separate account and open a new account or pool all your finances into a joint account. If you have an ex-spouse or children, the financial equation changes significantly.

Here are some issues that you'll want to discuss in advance of your second marriage:

• Financial style: Are you a saver or a spender? What kinds of things do you spend money on?
• Division of labor: Which one of you will manage the household budget and pay the bills?
• Credit history: How much debt do you currently have? Do you pay your credit card bills on time?
• Insurance and estate plans: Do you have sufficient insurance? Are other estate documents up to date?
• Tax situation: How will your new marital status affect your tax liability?
• Long-term goals: Are you saving for a home, creating a college fund or focusing on your retirement nest egg?

Second marriages and prenuptial agreements.

Prenuptial agreements are becoming more common, but they're still a very sensitive subject. When is it a good idea to ask for a prenuptial agreement, and how can you approach the subject in a loving way?

When planning a second marriage, get your wills and finances in order.

When there is no pre- or post-nuptial contract, it's a good idea for both of you to get your finances in order so the disposition of your money and property is clear to each of you, or, if you should both die, to your families. You'll need to contact the appropriate people to make any necessary revisions to insurance policies, retirement plans and wills.

Do you plan to change your name or use a hyphenated name? There is certain etiquette involved, but the final decision is purely your own. You may need to provide a copy of your marriage certificate as proof of the name change. Remember to notify the following: your payroll department at work, banks, department of motor vehicles, passport agency, social security administration, stockbrokers and financial advisers, and any other organizations or associations that are likely to be sending you mail.

Life insurance should be reviewed in connection with any major life change, including divorce and remarriage.

When planning a second marriage, there are many options to consider with respect to your life insurance coverage. Talk to your insurance agent, and if necessary, your lawyer to see what works best for you.

Continue to revisit your life insurance policy periodically after you remarry. This way, you'll ensure that it's still meeting your needs, that amounts of coverage are up to date and that your beneficiaries are properly designated.

Your age at the time of your second marriage may affect your Social Security benefits.

Generally, if you remarry before the age of 60, you are not eligible for benefits based on your former spouse's record unless your remarriage ends. For more information on Social Security, go to www.ssa.gov or call 800-772-1213.

Getting your marriage license.

Once you've worked through all these issues, you'll need a marriage license. You can save time by having all the necessary documents ready. If one or both of you are divorced, be prepared with an original or certified copy of your divorce certificate or annulment papers. If you're a widow or widower, you'll need to present a death certificate. Don't risk delaying your wedding plans by being unprepared. If your arrangements have been made and your invitations mailed, a postponement would be disappointing and expensive indeed.

This may all sound very unromantic, but sorting out legal and financial issues ahead of time will allow you to enjoy your future together. Money issues are the number one cause of arguments and misunderstanding in a marriage!

Ready to move forward toward happily every after? Consider the symbol of your enduring love. the diamond engagement ring and the exchange of wedding bands . To get the best value and most beautiful rings, be sure you know what to look for.

Once you've sorted out the financial issues, you can focus on planning your wedding and honeymoon with a free mind. If you're looking for some helpful ideas, we've got lots of suggestions for planning your second wedding?