FINE BRUSH STROKES ON ART OF MARRIAGE.(MAIN)

Byline: TAMAR LEWIN New York Times

PHOENIX -- There is a lot of earnest nodding as Leo Godzich tells the seven couples in his premarital education class how important it is to enter into marriage knowing each other's finances, sharing assets and agreeing on their budget priorities.

He tells of a time early in his marriage when he and his wife went without utilities -- dinner by candelight, every night -- to save money, and how, because they chose their sacrifice together, it became a fond memory.

He asks his students what they will budget for, and they call out the basics: Shelter. Food. Car payments. Utilities. Clothing. Entertainment. Debt. Pets. There is a pause, then one young man asks, uncertainly, ``Golf?'' Yes, if that's a priority, Godzich says.

It is a mixed group, this premarital class at the Phoenix First Assembly …