"Financial stress is at an all-time high. If the relationship is a bit shaky, it's going to get worse," says Victoria Felton-Collins, a certified financial planner in Irvine.

People were already tense because of the recession, and the war has exacerbated their fear of the unknown, says Felton-Collins, who has a doctorate in psychology.

* Don't blame your partner for sloppy finances. Work together and share the responsibility. If you're both too busy to do the bookkeeping, hire a professional to keep your finances in order. That will ease the stress on your relationship. Byline: SHERRY ANGEL