Many couples would rather walk over hot coals than sit down and examine their relationship. And when you throw kids into the equation, who has the time?

But the consequences of not regularly investing in a healthy home life could lead to a huge personal and financial deficit down the road.

Tahira Hira, professor of personal finance at Iowa State University and founder of the university’s Financial Counseling Clinic, noted that when couples shift the emphasis away from their relationship and allow it to suffer, they likely see negative effects in their careers and their mental health as well. “There’s no doubt in my mind that they all go hand in hand,” she said.

But with a little effort, couples can stave off problems before things get even remotely close to the point of no return.