I am not married yet but this is my plan:

1. Get a real job that has career potential and work at that job/career for at least 2 years prior to the engagement.

2. Get a house of my own (not just an apartment) and live there for at least a year prior to the engagement.

3. Be financially sound, which includes sound savings and checking accounts, a sound credit line on my major credit card, etc., before an engagement

4. When engaged and during the first few months of marriage, I plan on going to marital counseling with a church and through a marriage counselor.

5. Have my own insurance plans (i.e. health, car, and homeowner's).

6. I won't put his name on my car, checking and savings accounts, house, or credit card. We will each sell our own homes and go in together equally on a house. My parents bought me a brand new car for college graduation and I earned that car, not him.

7. Set up a joint checking account for bills and a joint savings account for our possible future children's bills and college tuition. We will each have our own seperate checking and savings accounts and credit cards in case something like divorce happens.

8. Get tested for any STDs on both sides, even if I do know my own status. It's only fair if I want him to do it.

9. Meet the family even if you've seen the movie Meet the Parents and Father of the Bride!

OK think that's it. hehehe.