Answers to your awkward money questions

Question: How do I get my potential partner to disclose financial assets and talk about planning for the future? -- N.R., San Antonio

Advice from Money readers:

Just ask. If your communication hasn't reached the stage where you can talk about money, he or she is not yet a potential partner -- just an attractive stranger. -- Maynard J. Hirshon, via e-mail

Say, "I read this magazine article about couples planning their finances. What do you think of that topic, dear?" -- Robert Nixon, Blythewood, S.C.

Go first and show this person your balance sheet and plan. If he or she is unwilling to share, find a new partner. -- Donnell Butler, Lawrenceville, N.J.

Great question. Wish I had thought of that 20 years ago. -- James K., Windsor, Colo.

The expert take: Say to your partner, "I really love you and I want to build this future together. So let's have this conversation that might be a little uncomfortable. But I'm here to support you no matter what comes out." Once you get past introducing the topic, most people get excited about discussing it, because it's a great way to advance your relationship.

Both of you should talk about how your past has influenced the way you think about money -- how your parents handled money, and the decisions you made earlier in your adult life. This really helps each of you figure out where the other person is coming from. -- Lisa J.B. Peterson, certified financial planner in Boston who specializes in counseling young couples

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