When combining lives, remarrying partners must decide whether to combine finances or not. It’s not always an easy choice.

Older couples, who often come to the relationship with significant assets or significant obligations from previous relationships, face a particular dilemma. And if they’ve been divorced before, new partners may be uncomfortable discussing finances in detail with a new significant other.

The Wall Street Journal advises that separate shouldn’t mean secret. Whether or not couples intend to combine finances or keep them separate, they should have an honest discussion about their finances a few months before the marriage, so as to allow time to develop a financial plan.

A good start is to list assets, income, debts and day-to-day expenses, to avoid surprises and possible resentment later on.