Nothing puts pressure on a relationship like money problems – it's one of the main reasons why people split-up or get divorced. So in these tough times of global financial problems, you have to take action to preserve your finances as well as your love.

It's important to resolve problems and make financial decisions together. You don't want one person deciding how to spend and invest for you both – it's a huge responsibility.

This never been as important as it is now. Strain is put on a relationship when there is not enough money to make ends meet. Be honest and put your heads together to work out the best way to confront your financial problems.

Get as much free information as you can. If you know someone who manages money well, ask them to be your financial mentor and pick their brain. If you want to keep your finances private, look for someone outside the family. You don't have to follow their advice – you and your partner can decide together if it works for you.

I just had a packing fiasco. I was about to leave for a week's vacation and spent the day tidying up loose ends, figuring I'd pack in the evening. A friend seduced me out to dinner, and we stayed up late. The ride to the airport arrived early the next morning while I was in a mad scramble, grabbing whatever I thought I might need. I packed too much, and worse, I was unhappy with what I brought.

Packing is my favorite thing I hate to do, and I'm considered an expert. My goal is to take the minimum amount of clothing to wear in the maximum number of ways. When I flew to Seoul for a two-week trip with just a carry-on suitcase, I was astonished and my co-workers even more...

Packing the right clothes is like having the perfect travel companion: You feel great with them, they're versatile, and they don't hold you back. The packing process also helps me take a fresh look at my wardrobe; I discover different ways of combining the pieces I have.

I start by making a chart on a piece of paper. Down the left side of the page I list the days I'll be away. Across the top, I mark three columns: AM, PM, Extra. This helps me visualize what events I need to dress for. Next, I put together one head-to-toe look I feel great in and build from there.

Before your little bundle of joy arrives, make sure you're well-prepared for the cost of expanding your family. Bringing your baby home should be a time of joy, without the financial stress of becoming new parents. As the old saying goes, if you wait until you can afford kids you'll never have them. But you must be ably to cover basic expenses.

Preparing for baby

During the waiting period, much excitement and attention is placed on choosing names, the perfect pram, a nursery color scheme, baby furniture and myriad of clothes and fluffy toys.

However too often the planning stops there and little thought is given to the family finances. This is a major problem. Managing your money is even more crucial when you have the responsibility of a child. If you have an expensive month and need to live on water and white rice for a few days until pay day, it won't kill you. But a baby can't wait a few days for formula, new nappies or other baby stuff.