Can a spender and a saver make it work?

According to author and Calgary-based personal finance consultant Lesley-Anne Scorgie, it's possible to live happily ever after, even if a couple's approach to making money, saving money and spending money are vastly different.

But in order to make it work, she says a couple should be on the same page when it comes to money matters early on in the relationship.

"In your first three dates, you can, in fact, ask them whether or not they're a spender or a saver," Scorgie said. "You just have to softball it so they don't go running for the hills."

In her new book, "The Modern Couple's Money Guide", Scorgie outlines seven steps for couples hoping to build wealth together.

Speaking to CTV News Channel on Monday, she offered a few of her tips for couples to avoid or overcome potential quarrels about cash.

Have an honest, cordial conversation about finances

"No finger pointing, no name calling, no judging, but have a transparent conversation about what do you owe and what you own," Scorgie said.

Get on the same page about the 'fun stuff'

Scorgie said it’s important to talk about what you envision in your life five years from now – houses, children, vacations – which she refers to as "the fun stuff."

"If you can't get on the same page about the fun stuff, it's going to be hard to get on the same page about your entire life."

Once you've laid out a plan for what you'd like five years from now, and even beyond that, Scorgie suggests implementing a basic financial strategy to get you there.

Watch out for red flags

If you're dating someone who's driving a Range Rover while making a salary of $55,000 a year, Scorgie says it's a red flag.

"Either they're making meth in their basement, or they’re doing something else which, more than likely, is taking on copious amounts of debt," she said.

Scorgie said it's possible to work through bad spending habits, but you'll have to ask yourself if that's a task you're willing to take on.

"Do you need a project? Or do you want to find someone who is more financially aligned with you?"