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Now that you've offically said, "I do," it's time to address that pesky issue called finances. Here, a financial expert shares a few things to keep in mind.

Ah, newlywed bliss. So you’ve just tied the knot and are now adjusting to being Mr. and Mrs. What used to be “mine” is now “ours” and that can be said about everything, including your finances. We know it isn’t easy and that’s why we’re here to help. Here are the Top 10 Financial Musts for Newlyweds:

1. Full Financial Disclosure

Most importantly, you need to share your current financial situation, spending habits, financial expectations with your spouse—and vice versa. Forthright communication of this important information is crucial to forming a strong partnership with your spouse—after all, people argue about money more than sex (it's true!). If this information is kept secret now, you're setting the stage for future financial disaster. For instance, not knowing that your spouse has a low credit score could lead to your debt being combined with their debt, which in turn lowers your credit score.

2. Budget to Reach Financial Goals

Most newlyweds make the major mistake of not constructing a budget to reach key financial goals. Don't fall into this! Without a budget, it's super difficult to achieve financial freedom as a couple. Make sure you construct a yearly family budget to account for fixed expenses (mortgage payments, household and food expenses) and discretionary expenses (travel, shopping) while also allocating some funds for raising children, paying for college, planning a wedding, retirement, etc.

3. Maintain an Emergency Fund

Agree to set aside approximately six months' worth of living expenses in the event that you and your betrothed experience a financial hardship.

4. Plan to Pay Off Debt

It is crucial that you and your spouse evaluate each other's debt levels (credit card, student loans, etc.) and credit scores so that you can put a plan in place to make monthly payments and reduce overall debt. By following a plan, getting a mortgage approved in the future will be much easier.

5. Name Beneficiaries and Update Wills

After marriage, you should evaluate the named beneficiaries of your insurance policy and retirement accounts. Also address the issue if you're currently the beneficiary of someone else's policy. In the event that you have to divide assets due to death, it's always important to have an existing will. However, keep in mind that the beneficiaries you designate for retirement accounts (things like your IRA and 401k) and life insurance policies take precedence over those you name in your will.

6. Review Insurance Coverage Plans

Review yours and your spouse's life, health, auto and homeowners insurance policies since one spouse's coverage may be better than the other. For instance, health insurance coverage can vary dramatically, so be sure to take advantage of the plan that offers the best coverage for both of you.

7. Explore Accountants, Financial Advisors and Lawyers

Whether you have or don't have an accountant, financial advisor or lawyer, you and your spouse will undoubtedly need to make a decision on one for the future. When choosing a professional advisor, it is vital that you do your homework and obtain multiple recommendations from friends and family. While your spouse may be very content with his/her lawyer, you should still seek other references before agreeing to also use the same lawyer.

8. Tax Preparation

When thinking about how you and your spouse want to file for taxes, there are a number of factors to consider, such as your state of residence and individual income level. Generally speaking, it is more tax advantageous to file as married in that you'll do so jointly. An instance where it may not make sense to file jointly is if your spouse has significant liens.

9. Evaluate Checking Account Options

The options are generally as follows: 1) maintain a separate checking account from your spouse, 2) open a joint checking account, or 3) set up a hybrid checking account system. A separate checking account is generally recommended when one spouse has any one of the following: liens against him/her, excessive debt levels, or is not financially responsible. A joint checking account is the most common option because it is convenient and allows for spouses to monitor cash flow together. The hybrid checking account is another option whereby a joint checking account is set up to pay for necessary expenses such as household expenses and two separate checking accounts are maintained by each spouse for spending-money purposes.

10. Last Name Change (If Applicable)

While it may appear rather trivial, changing your last name on your social security card, driver's license, passport and credit/checking accounts is very important since it is a key personal identifier for your financial records.

Ryan Himmel, CPA, is the founder of BIDaWIZ.com, an online marketplace where consumers and business owners alike can get trusted answers to finance, tax and accounting questions from licensed professionals. For more information, visit bidawiz.com.