Dear Pastor,

My boyfriend and I are planning to get married in December 2011, and we want to start right. We are not Christians. We don't attend church but we would like you to be the officiating minister. At the moment, my fiancé is abroad but he is coming back in September. We want to know how to prepare for marriage.

S.L.,

Dear S.L.,

There are many things you should do. You need to be sure you are compatible. Talk frankly about financial matters, such as income, investments, savings, debts, mortgage, etc.

Some couples go into marriage and then realise their spouses were deeply in debt. And that is a recipe for divorce. Some couples have large credit-card debts, so that should be discussed. Talk about budgeting. Talk about housing; the place that you will live. Do not rent an expensive place to live.

Talk about life and health insurance. Talk about the number of children you would like to have and how you would plan to educate them. Talk about your jobs and how long you intend to remain at your present employment and finally talk about retirement.

Pastor