8 Warning Signs Of Financial Abuse

Financial abuse is commonly used to gain power and control in a relationship. At times it is overt but usually it is often covert such that you may not even realize it is happening. Sometimes, we even see these things as cute. We see the abusive tendencies as our partner “taking care of us”. They are not cute, it is abusive. Evaluate your relationships, romantic or otherwise, and see if you can identify any of these warning signs of financial abuse. If you do, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Victim Support Line – at 1-88-579-2888 for assistance and guidance.

Here are 8 warning signs of financial abuse that you shouldn’t ignore.
Ask yourself some of these questions:

1. Can I make decisions about my money on my own?
2. Do I have to appease someone’s ego by giving them money to pay for the two of us in public?
3. Do they hold gifts that they purchase for me over my head?
4. Are they using my credit cards or opening credit cards in my name?
5. Do we have shared expenses (utility bills, mortgage) that they will not put my name on?
6. Do I have the autonomy to give my money to whoever I wish or do I have to ask for their permission first?
7. Do they make decisions about my career? i.e. don’t take that promotion because you’ll make more money than me
8. Do they make me feel like I’m constantly overspending or extravagant and use that to justify their control?

In episode 18 of Don’t Go Broke Trying, Blessing Timidi Digha and I do a deep dive into what financial abuse is, how to identify it, and how to escape. Listen here or watch here.

I pray this helps someone!

xo,
Reni