Financial abuse: Warning signs of manipulation and control

Financial abuse involves the manipulation, restriction, or control of a person's access to money and financial resources to create dependency and isolation. Unlike standard disagreements over budgeting, financial abuse is characterized by deliberate patterns of secrecy and control designed to limit an individual's independence.

Ralene Grobler, a Financial Adviser at Momentum Financial Planning, identifies key warning signs of this behavior. These include being shut out of essential financial information—such as household income, accounts, or debts—and having total control over every cent earned, which may force a partner to ask permission for basic necessities even if they contribute to the household. Other indicators include the discovery of hidden debt and assets.