You've found your one and only, but before you start addressing the invitations, you'll want to learn everything you can about your future spouse or companion. How he or she handles money should be near the top of the list. Talking about money will help you uncover potential hot spots and develop understanding and respect for how you each think about finances. Here are five questions to get you started.

Warning: These are very personal questions, so tread lightly and be prepared to answer as well as ask.

1. What does your balance sheet look like?

If you plan to sign a prenuptial agreement, full disclosure of assets and liabilities by both parties is a must. However, even if you skip the pre-nup, you should each draw up a balance sheet and share it with your partner-to-be.

A balance sheet or net worth statement is simply a snapshot of your financial condition that shows what you would have left if you sold all your assets and paid off all your debts.

A negative net worth might be a sign of trouble, but first take a hard look at the numbers. Did your fiance just finish medical school with a bunch of student loans, or is it car loans and credit card debt tipping the balance into the red? It makes a difference.