You may have heard that money is a primary reason people get divorced. It's no wonder. Just as everyone brings different relationship experience to a marriage, we all have a slightly different understanding and philosophy toward finances. In a financially solvent household where there's enough money to pay for everything, these philosophies may never clash. But when money problems arise as they have so often in the midst of the current recession, couples can clash over how to handle them.

Here are the top money mistakes couples make:

1. Lack of communication: It's the root of so many problems in marriage, so it should come as no surprise that not talking about your finances can also cause problems. These problems can outlast the marriage itself, especially if you and your spouse have debts to pay. Before the problem comes to that, be sure to have regular talks about money. Set aside time for it, but also set aside any blame or finger pointing.

2. Secrets: Do you tell your spouse about every purchase you make? If not, you aren't alone. Many spouses refrain from telling each other about even large purchases because they don't want to feel like a child who needs permission to buy something. The solution may be to treat each other like independent adults, perhaps in the form of separate bank accounts. It's also important to set aside judgment when discussing purchases you've made separately.

3. Lack of a budget: Budgeting your own expenses is hard enough; accounting for you and your spouse's funds may seem like a headache and a potential source of arguments, but a budget can keep you grounded and on the same page. When those big purchases are necessary (or even when they're not), you'll know exactly where you stand.

4. Not having a will: Few people like to talk about dying, and assume it's so far off that there's no need to discuss where your money will go or how your debts and funeral expenses will be paid. But if your spouse dies, the last thing you'll want to worry about is money, let alone a legal battle with your in-laws because you failed to discuss the matter earlier.

5. Ignoring differences: Again, we all bring different financial philosophies and baggage to a marriage. Acknowledging the differences in these philosophies can prevent problems down the road instead of ignoring them and allowing resentment and frustration to build up. Come to a middle ground by talking about it before it's too late.

6. Sharing in the wrong way, at the wrong time: If your marriage does end in divorce, how will your debts and possessions be divided? That all depends on how and when you acquired them. Though few married couples anticipate a divorce, they should resist the urge to share absolutely everything without knowing how their state divides debt and property in the event of a divorce.

Source: Money Talks News, "6 Financial Mistakes Couples Make," Brandon Ballenger, Dec. 12, 2011