Rubbing Pennies and Knocking Boots

In a relationship just because your going to spend the rest of your lives together does not mean you should loosen your purse strings to his every whim. Quite the opposite. Don't take him to the bank until you have some gold-- of your own. The key to making money work in a relationship?

1) Always maintain separate bank accounts because this clears up any confusion if your love boat hit's the rocks.

2) Excel, not just in life, use the spreadsheet program for bills as well as his and her's account balancing every month. If you loan him money you can keep a running tab with receipts to back it up

3) Don't be a sugar daddy- or mama, it's so 1990's. Take care of each other, but relationships don't revolve around money. Take time out of your day to give him things that don't cost anything, like an e-card or a sultry, seductive kiss against a wall.

4) Save and put away your money. It's not just for a rainy day anymore, with the housing market in ruin your dream lot could be one Craiglist.com click away. It also helps if the relationship goes south and you need a place to stay, safe house money anyone?

5) Don't be afraid to walk out if it's not financially working. If it hasn't been good for a while, the situation and the man, won't change. Always make sure you have a supportive partner and know if you don't have one now, you bet your ass there is one out there. There is always another man around the corner whose willing to level with you financially, it's just a matter of getting your head out of your pocketbook.

By being financially secure in a relationship you can enjoy the fiscal benefits of being your own boss. As well as a huge confidence boost knowing that because of your smart decisions you're worth every penny.