Far too often, I am asked what to do when finances become the root force in the breaking up of an otherwise compatible couple. We all know that economic stress, especially during the recent years can bring a ton of irritability and fear to all of us. My suggestion in these instances is to somehow make the finances a joint effort. If you have only one party handling them, there will always be some sort of doubt on the part of the other party. One good idea I have heard of is couples starting a self directed IRA and getting involved in building a secure financial future together.