HONOLULU (KHON2) -- When it comes to managing money in a relationship, financial stress can often become a point of contention. Whether you're newly married or blending finances with a partner, addressing financial concerns early on can prevent misunderstandings, frustration, and even strain on the relationship. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You David Rasak, a certified financial planner with Honolulu’s Northwestern Mutual, works with couples to create strategies that align both their financial goals and their shared future. Rasak’s approach to financial planning is grounded in clear communication and the belief that couples can succeed together with intentional planning. "I think it’s important for couples to be on the same page. And really, that starts with communication," Rasak said. It’s this communication that is essential in creating a financial strategy that both partners can stand behind. The importance of early conversations Many couples avoid discussing money early in their relationship. These talks may seem uncomfortable or even unnecessary, especially in the honeymoon phase. However, Rasak stresses that addressing finances as soon as possible is key to long-term success. "As you develop and grow as a couple, I think it’s important to begin to have these discussions earlier as opposed to later," he said. He encourages couples to start exploring each other’s financial habits and goals even before they merge their finances. "Having these discussions early ensures that you both have the same values and the same ideas as it relates to finances," Rasak explained. The sooner a couple starts communicating about their money, the more likely they are to avoid potential conflicts down the road. Financial therapy: The hidden benefit For many couples, financial planning can become a form of financial therapy. As Rasak explainsd, it's often a revelation when couples realize they haven't discussed money as much as they thought. Many busy couples are juggling careers and family life and don’t find the time to have thorough financial conversations. "Many times, a lot of the discussions that we have with our clients, they haven’t really had the time or the bandwidth to have with themselves," Rasak said. This is where Rasak’s role as both a financial advisor and a guide through tough conversations becomes crucial. "I think it’s fair to say that many couples find out things that they may not have thought about when they have this discussion together," he said. This is where the opportunity for couples to clear the air and express unspoken concerns about money can lead to better understanding and healthier financial practices. "It’s not always about the numbers," Rasak emphasized. "It’s about the feelings and the beliefs that come with managing money." Through these discussions, couples often gain new perspectives on how their partner views finances and can uncover any hidden worries or disagreements. Bridging the gap: Financial advisors as trusted partners Finding a financial advisor can seem daunting, but Rasak encourages couples to view the process as finding a trusted partner who can help guide them through both the financial and emotional aspects of money management. He believes a common misconception is that financial advisors are only for the wealthy. "I think a big misconception out there is that a lot of folks think that they have to be abundantly wealthy in order to work with a professional," Rasak said. However, financial advice should be accessible to anyone looking to create a solid plan for their future. Rasak suggested that couples should approach finding an advisor with the same intentionality they would use to hire any professional. "I liken it to if I was going to go to the dentist or I needed an estate planning document drafted," he said. "I would want to work with someone who has that subject matter expertise and could help me and guide me through that process." One key to finding the right financial planner is looking for someone who values relationship-building and long-term partnership. "We meet with our clients twice a year, no matter what," Rasak said. "But, you know, I think it’s important that you desire a relationship and someone that would be a thought partner for you and your family." How to spot potential red flags in financial advisors When interviewing financial advisors, couples should be vigilant for signs that a potential advisor might not be the right fit. Rasak recommended paying close attention to the questions the advisor asks. "The questions that the advisor asks you, I think, will give you a good insight into how they can help, what their experience has been with other clients," he explained. A good advisor will take the time to understand your specific financial goals, not just offer generic solutions. Rasak also emphasized the importance of understanding an advisor’s qualifications. "You should ensure that your advisor has subject matter expertise in financial planning, estate work, investment management and portfolio selection," he said. Advisors should be transparent about their qualifications, and couples should feel comfortable doing their own research. This includes checking the advisor’s website and verifying their credentials. Building strong financial habits Rasak also underscored the importance of developing financial habits that will pay off over time. He believes that creating wealth is less about luck and more about consistency. "I never grew up with a lot of money. I think wealth is really created by doing lots of little bits over a long period of time," he said. Building habits such as regular savings and careful budgeting can set couples up for financial success, even if they don’t start with much. "Start small, but stay consistent," Rasak advised. This is particularly important for couples who may be starting their financial journey together. The earlier they begin saving and planning, the more they can take advantage of compound interest and prepare for future needs. Designing your life: Intentional planning Rasak’s overall message is one of empowerment: Couples should not let life happen to them but instead design their lives intentionally. "Live your life by design, as opposed to by default," Rasak urged. Couples should establish clear financial goals and create a plan to reach them rather than simply reacting to circumstances as they arise. "Start early, and communicate often," Rasak emphasized. "The most important thing is that you have an intentional view on your finances. If you can do that, everything will work out in the long run." He also encouraged couples to meet regularly and discuss their goals. "Maybe, it’s over coffee. Maybe, you go to your favorite coffee shop," Rasak suggested. "But I think you should continuously bring up your life goals, not just around money, but around what you want to accomplish together as a family." Instead of focusing solely on numbers, Rasak recommended that couples look at their overall vision for life. "Focus on what you want to accomplish in life, together," he said. "And then, you can reverse engineer it from that point." A stronger future together By incorporating intentional financial planning into their relationship, couples can create a strong foundation for their future together. Communication, shared values and consistent saving are the keys to overcoming financial stress and building long-term wealth. Whether you're just starting out or blending finances with a partner, Rasak’s advice is clear: Start early, communicate often and approach your finances with purpose. As Rasak so aptly put it, “If you don’t know the score, you can’t win.” You can click here to learn more. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 By setting clear financial goals and working together, couples can ensure they’re on track to achieve success -- both financially and emotionally.