Wednesday Workshop: Financial Abuse Part 2

Financial abuse is a tactic of abuse where an abuser uses finances to maintain power and control over their partner. Financial abuse often begins subtly and progresses over time.

Some signs of financial abuse include:

• Putting all bills (lease, utilities, etc.) in your name
• Controlling how money is spent
• Withholding money or giving an “allowance”
• Not allowing you to work
• Over using credit cards and not paying the bill
• Refusing to let you understand your financial situation or making financial decisions without you.
• Interfering with your performance at work by making harrassing phone calls, constant visits to your workplace or creating situations that do not allow you to go to work (sabotaging transportation, refusing to provide child care, etc.)

To learn even more about financial abuse, check out our previous blog post https://www.thedvshelter.com/financial-abuse/, review our previous Workshop about financial abuse or call our 24/7 Crisis Line at 1-800-931-7233.

Elements of Healthy Financial RelationshipNavigating finances can be a huge part of a relationship! The following are signs that you may have a healthy financial relationship with your partner.

• Both partners have equal access to financial information– you may have different roles in your finances, but you both are aware of the big picture of your financial situation.
• You negotiate to form join financial goals– even if you have different values or attitudes around money, you can still agree on the same financial goals
• You both understand and respect that decision making is equal– just because one partner may make more money than the other, you both have the ability to make decisions.
• You each have access to your money– you do not need to ask permission to spend your (or shared) money or do not have to hide your spending. You are not given an allowance or required to show your partner receipts.
• Large or long- term financial decisions are made jointly– financial decisions that will impact you both are made together. One partner does not get to make all the financial decisions and large purchases are not a surprise.

BudgetingNo matter what your situation may be, budgeting is a great way to get the most out of your money! A budget is a tool that will help you make critical spending decisions each month or pay. Budgeting can help you work towards a goal, stay aware of your financial situation or ensure you have enough money for the things you need. Budgeting can also be crucial when preparing to leave a relationship where you’ve experienced financial abuse.

There are many budgeting tools available, but simply put a budget can be made by subtracting your expenses from your income. The total is your budget. Each paycheck or month, write down your income and expenses.

Income is the money you have coming in every month. It can be difficult to increase your income, but you could consider working extra hours, picking up an additional job or look into any programs that you may qualify for.
Expenses are your monthly bills. Think about every dollar you spend- rent, bills, food, gas, child care, etc. Some ways to reduce your expenses can include avoid going out to eat, limit treats, buy generic products or utilize community resources.

Community ResourcesIt is great to utilize community resources. Resources such as food banks can help reduce grocery expenses or utility assistance can help decrease bills. The following are Richland County resources:

Local Resources/ Food Pantries
211
Catholic Charities- 419-524-0733
Community Action -419-589-2520
Salvation Army-419-525-2912

Next Wednesday WorkshopOur next Wednesday Workshop will be on July 7. Be sure to catch us on The Domestic Violence Shelter of Richland County, OH Facebook