October is domestic violence awareness month and while economic or financial abuse — encompassing anything from secretly withholding funds to restricting basic needs — isn’t the typical focus of discussions about abusive relationships, it’s a more common issue than many may think. In fact, one study found that 99% of female survey respondents who experienced domestic abuse experienced some form of financial abuse.
“The devastating impact of financial abuse lasts longer than other areas of harm from an abusive relationship,” says Shannon Thomas, a licensed clinical social worker and certified clinical trauma professional who has conducted extensive research on financial abuse. “It undermines the survivor’s ability to navigate through life in every way.”
Some abusers may use manipulation to covertly remain in control of a victim’s finances while others resort to outright intimidation or threatening behavior. No matter how financial abuse presents itself in a relationship, rebuilding financial independence takes both time and patience.
How to identify signs of financial abuse
Financial abuse can look different for every survivor and occur without any instances of verbal assault or physical violence.
Sabotaging career success, siphoning away shared funds for individual spending, restricting access to accounts, placing an unhealthy financial burden on someone, opening accounts in another person’s name and limiting purchases of needs are just some examples that Thomas gives of financial abuse in action.
Financial abuse victims aren’t restricted only to women or only those not in a bread-winning role. Men can also experience financial abuse. And romantic relationships aren’t the only type in which one person may be exploited for financial gain: business partners, parents and even roommates can all be financial abusers.
If you begin to notice a pattern of withholding financial information or other instances of manipulation, controlling behavior or isolation, that could be a clear sign of abusive behavior.
Moving forward from financial abuse
In some instances, cases of financial manipulation may be solved with conversation. If you feel comfortable raising the topic, try confronting your partner about the behavior you’ve noticed.
“It’s really about … open communication about money,” Thomas says. “Not just talking about it, but seeing bank statements and being able to know what income is brought into the situation, whether it’s a relationship or business.” She recommends setting your own boundaries to ensure decisions aren’t made unilaterally by the exploitative party.
Thomas warns that when financial abusers are confronted about the behavior, there is a chance of retaliation by hiding money. “I like a lot of folks to get their house in order, get their ducks in a row and get some things in place so that they have a little bit of cash … if that abuser decides to start moving money around and they have to do things very quickly,” she says.
In any instance of abuse, your safety should be your top priority. If you feel you may be in danger, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 or a local hotline in your area. You can search a directory of domestic violence programs and shelters near you at DomesticShelters.org.
Looking ahead
If you’re looking to get yourself out of a financially abusive situation, start by developing a plan.
“First, assess the damage,” says Leslie Tayne, a debt settlement attorney based in New York. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Checking your credit report.
- Taking inventory of all credit in your name.
- Reviewing bank statements to see how much debt you owe and to whom.
If you’re worried about your abuser continuing to open new accounts in your name, consider freezing your credit report (a free service).
After you’ve evaluated the situation, start crafting a budget and a plan for your comeback.
Becoming financially independent, especially after being financially abused, takes some time. To retake control of your finances, Tayne suggests that survivors focus on educating themselves on important topics such as financial planning.
Depending on your situation, Tayne also suggests contacting an experienced family law attorney to find out your legal rights. If you do this, document specific incidents of abuse and keep important documents stored somewhere secure and out of reach from the abuser.
How to rebuild after financial abuse
Once you’ve done what you can to protect your finances, what comes next? The next chapter can feel overwhelming, but is ultimately an opportunity for you to lay a strong foundation on which to build the rest of your life. Here are steps you can take to establish your financial independence and help ensure long-term financial health.
Open a bank account and start saving
Some survivors may do this while planning an escape, but if you don’t already have your own bank account, make it your first priority to open one. Choose a reputable bank that fits your needs. Some offer in-person budgeting help or options to help customers manage their finances online. Larger national banks typically offer a wider range of services and accessibility while smaller local banks or credit unions can bring a personal touch to the banking process.
Do your own research and ask for recommendations from friends or family to make an informed decision based on what you feel will be right for you. Also consider the fees associated with your account.
Opening a bank account is typically a simple process. You’ll need your Social Security number and a valid ID. Some banks require minimum deposits for opening certain types of accounts. If you have enough money for the minimum deposit on a savings account, open both a checking and savings account and start contributing to savings as you’re able.
Prioritize saving a little of every paycheck in case of financial emergencies. Experts recommend directing 20 percent of your paycheck toward savings, but begin with whatever you’re able to save. Not having the money to cover unexpected expenses can have a lasting impact on your finances and cause you to go into debt. Aim to have at least three to six months’ worth of essential expenses. Once you have that saved, consider putting money aside for other financial goals (such as a vacation fund, money to go back to school or the deposit on a house) or investing for retirement.
Make a budget
Once you have your own account set up, the next step is to make a budget that fits your needs. A budget will help you understand exactly where your money is going.
There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all budget; determine what works best for you and your financial goals and will keep you from spending more than you make each month. There are several techniques that you can try:
- 50/30/20 budget rule: This method separates your take-home pay into three different buckets: needs (rent, transportation, water, other monthly bills), wants (going out, shopping and entertainment) and savings (your savings account and other financial goals). Under this plan, needs should account for 50 percent of your budget, wants should take 30 percent and the last 20 percent can go toward savings.
- 80/20: This is a simpler version of the 50/30/20 method, in which you dedicate 20 percent of your income to savings and freely spend the rest. Depending on how aggressive you want to be with your savings, you can change up the percentage that you want to set aside.
- Envelope method: For a more visual budget, label individual envelopes with certain expense categories like wants, need, savings – or something more intricate: rent, utilities, groceries, entertainment, savings. Then set aside the amount you want to dedicate to each category for the month into its designated envelope.
- Budgeting apps: If you have a smartphone or tablet, connect your bank accounts and credit cards to an app like Mint or You Need A Budget (otherwise known as YNAB), which allow users to track bills, create budgets, develop spending plans and more.
Start building credit
Lenders use your credit report and credit score to help determine whether to loan you money. Without a good credit score, you may be denied for personal loans, mortgages, vehicle financing and more. Even if you are approved, lenders are more likely to give unfavorable interest rates and terms to borrowers with lower credit scores.
The easiest way to start building credit is to apply for a credit card and make timely monthly payments. If you’re rebuilding your finances or are a first-time credit card user, there are many great options that charge no annual fee so you won’t take on any additional costs that may hinder your progress. Here are a few things to consider:
- APR: The higher the APR, the more interest and fees you’ll have to pay on purchases when you don’t pay your bill in full each month. With a low credit score or no credit history, you’re more likely to qualify for cards with higher interest rates, but you can build your credit over time by paying your balances in full each month until you qualify for a better card with a lower rate. Ideally, you’ll be able to pay off your balance each month instead of carrying a balance. If you do have established credit, you might be able to get a credit card with a 0% introductory offer. As long as you pay off the balance before the introductory period ends, you won’t have to pay any interest.
- Secured credit cards: Secured cards require a deposit that acts as your line of credit. For example, if you put $250 down as the deposit, your credit limit on that card will be $250. This is a solid option for those starting from scratch with no credit history. After a year of responsible spending and paying off your balance on time each month, many issuers will return the deposit.
- Authorized users: Becoming an authorized user on a trusted friend or family member’s account can help you build a credit history on your own report. Take caution and ensure they have a good credit score and healthy spending habits and develop a plan for how much you are allowed to spend each month and how you’ll pay back that amount.
It’s important to establish healthy credit habits from the beginning of your credit journey. Don’t spend more than you can pay off at the end of each month, always pay your bill on time and check your credit report for inaccuracies regularly.
More resources to help you rebuild
You don’t have to go through this process alone. Surround yourself with trustworthy friends and family, and don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for help when you need it. You can also explore local and national programs available to help get you back on your feet.
Local food banks
In the first few months after escaping, it may feel difficult to even put food on the table. There are local food banks throughout America that help feed individuals and families. You can Google local food banks in your area or check out Feeding America’s search tool.
Government assistance
Federal benefit programs can help you get back on your feet after escaping an abusive situation. There are programs available to help qualifying families and individuals pay for groceries, health care, housing and more. Some programs, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), also offer non-cash benefits like childcare and job training.
Domestic abuse coalitions
Many states have coalitions against domestic violence. These organizations can offer assistance to survivors looking for help getting back into the workforce, connecting with other survivors, finding support groups and more. You can check out The National Domestic Violence Hotline for a list of national and state-level organizations.
Never give up
“Rebuilding after financial restoration after abuse must be viewed as a marathon and not a sprint,” Thomas says. “Every step towards financial stability post abuse should be recognized and celebrated. Otherwise, the rebuilding process can become discouraging.”
This chapter in your life can be exhausting and exhilarating and just about every emotion in between. The important thing is to never give up. Working to establish and maintain your financial health is a lifelong journey, but start the process by taking it one step at a time.
If you or a loved one is suffering from domestic abuse (including financial abuse), please reach out for help. You can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.
Liz Hund and Caitlin Mims contributed to updates of this article.