You’ve probably been asked for $20 here and there from a family member or friend, but what happens if the amount is more like $2,000? “You may be in a situation to lend money to family and friends, but you need to understand the risk involved,” says Jane Vesoulis, Financial Center Manager with Fifth Third Bank.

If you’re thinking about lending money to a family member or friend, consider the following:

If you’re like most women, you value — and respect — your relationships with others. However, when it comes to money, you may have a love-hate relationship at best. Consider the following important financial statistics:

There’s no question money plays a role in nearly every relationship. That’s why it’s so important to open the lines of communication with loved ones, such as your partner, parents and children. Molly Edwards, Financial Center Manager with Fifth Third Bank, explains how you can start a conversation about money with the important people in your life.

Money matters can be more complicated in second marriages. Unlike many first marriages, where both partners tend to be starting out, a person entering a second marriage is more likely to own a home, have other assets and debts, or be supporting children.

So what’s the best way to merge different financial lives?

The start of a marriage is a time to begin planning for your future – and that includes your finances. “Newlyweds need to discuss their money and shared goals as soon as possible to smooth the transition to married finances,” says Diane Jackson, Financial Center Manager with Fifth Third Bank.

You may not be able to buy love, but getting married can be one of life’s major expenses. Although the economic downturn has caused many couples to decrease their budgets, the average wedding still costs between $21,000 and $24,000, according to the Association for Wedding Professionals International. Fortunately, there are strategies that can help you cut costs. “There are ways you can save, while still getting the wedding you want,” says Kelly Williams, Financial Center Manager with Fifth Third Bank.

A successful marriage depends on many things, but good communication is a top priority. However, one subject is often more difficult to discuss - money. And it's even more challenging when each partner views the subject from a different perspective.

Somewhere between planning the wedding, taking a honeymoon and resuming normal life, newly married couples need to find time to review and update many financial and legal documents. While it would be nice to handle these tasks ahead of time, some documents must be signed after the wedding to be considered valid.

Many couples start planning their wedding a year in advance - finding the hall, selecting the menu, ordering dresses, invitations, flowers and so on. But one of the most important things they can do early on is develop a plan to pay for it all.

Coping with the sudden loss of a loved one is emotionally devastating, but having to sort through complicated financial matters during this time can make the heartache even worse. To help people manage, Phil Foster, a trust officer with Fifth Third Bank, offers the following advice: