Hollywood loves to tell the story of money-hungry, gold-digging women who drain unsuspecting men for all their worth. However, this tale can only be told when a man actually has money in his pocket.

Another popular story depicts jobless, penniless men -- mooching off of the women they supposedly love. As ridiculous as it sounds, this anecdote seems a little more realistic.

Both scenarios make good, "edge-of-your-seat" entertainment -- but it's no laughing matter when finances put a stranglehold on your relationship. Women have their own money these days, so being totally obligated to bring home the bacon doesn't hold much water. If you're in a relationship, your ability to deal with both financial obstacles and success, rests in your understanding of your money, and your ability to effectively communicate with your mate about finances.

Most young men encounter financial problems long before meeting their prospective mates. Unless you grew up with a silver spoon dangling from your mouth, you've had your share of money woes. The good new is -- you're an adult now, and the capacity to commit errors in financial judgment should no longer exist.

Money-grubbers aside -- women desire men who are financially responsible and able to keep their bank accounts in order. Whether you have one account or many, good money management is essential for retaining the lady in your life. Even if she never voices her opposition to your financial irresponsibility, she won't stick around for long if it keeps up.

Being a millionaire would be icing on the cake, but it's not necessary. Most women are perfectly content with a man who is gainfully employed, financially stable, stays on top of his bills, and avoids recklessness with his cash flow. For a woman, this translates to a meaningful relationship with a man who won't put her in the poor house, or disrupt her own flow of money.

We all know that a bad money manager (male or female) can cause a huge strain on a relationship. The world seems to revolve around money and we all want more of it. If a couple has lots of money at their disposal, there may not be an issue. If that couple is completely broke (or one person is unable to handle their money) -- dilemmas become plentiful.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, more than half of all U.S. marriages end in divorce. Causes include lack of communication, infidelity, substance abuse, incompatibility and money. There isn't enough data to support claims that finances is a leading cause of divorce, but it is very likely positioned in the top five.

In the absence of definitive research, most couples can avoid relationship problems by discussing their money problems. New couples should make every effort to talk about their current and past financial situations. The past is important because it affects our credit histories and FICO scores, which ultimately determines whether banks will lend us money and how much we can get.

If you're concerned about your relationships' financial health, here's a list of ideas to consider when thinking about love, relationships and money:

• Discuss Everything - Put it all out on the table. Leave no financial matters unexplored, and talk with your partner about your current situation. This includes total debt, total assets, personal bills, investments, and legal issues.
• State Your Goals - Talk about individual and family goals. If you would like to own a boat and your partner thinks it's a bad investment, buying a new yacht on your birthday might not be a good idea. Make sensible leisure purchases until you have the spending cash to splurge.
• Have A Plan - Financial experts often tell us to map out our financial goals. Maybe you're saving for your child's college tuition, or that honeymoon you never took. Whatever the expense, couples should employ money-saving tips in order to reach goals. Write down monthly expenses to better see concrete numbers This may help you figure out how to avoid pumping $200/month into office snack machines.
• Bare Necessities - There are some costs obligations that cannot be avoided. Essentials such as groceries, credit card debt, and mortgage payments should take precedence. If your partner prefers to spend money on high-priced clothes and weekend trips, you may need to have a heart-to-heart about priorities.
• Keep A Little - We should be proactive in saving for retirement, paying our bills, and supporting the household -- but we should also learn to have a little individual fun. Your partner may prefer to pay $50 for a new pair of shoes rather than dine out during any given week. If you share a joint account for bills, use it only for bills. A good strategy for many marriages involves a joint account and separate personal accounts for individual pleasures.
• What It All Means - Believe it or not, most people don't talk about what money and finances means to them. To some, money is everything. To others, having a little or a lot isn't a concern. Talk with your mate about the meaning of having money and how it affects your way of life.