I’m shaking things up this week, partly because last week I spoke at a conference specialising in Domestic Violence, at the same time our Greenhouse Members were learning about financially protecting themselves, so I thought it would be wise to dive deeper into this topic:

Financial Abuse in Australia is rife. It impacts all suburbs, occupations and income levels. No one is immune.

Someone in your family, friendship circle, business (perhaps even team) is living through this right now! Isn't that terrifying?...

Here are a few things to help you stay safe:

🚩 Always have at least one bank account no one can access, with some emergency funds stashed away. Ask your HR team can re-direct part of your income (or bonus/tax refund/any additional income you make) to it. Consider what address you set this up with as you'll likely be sent correspondence about it.

🚩Have your own email address (with a password that cannot be easily guessed).

🚩 If you are in a relationship where you do not get access or control money, but do buy the groceries, consider buying gift cards every time you shop at small amounts to be able to have some access to funds when needed.

🚩 NEVER allow anyone to borrow or take out debt in your name. It may be requested as an act of 'love', but no one who loves you would force you to take on a debt for them.

🚩 Many of the big banks now have specialist support and resources for victims fleeing danger. There are also amazing organisations who can help you leave, stay safe and rebuild. You can rebuild.

Money is power.

And for many Australians today, they have no access, control or autonomy of it.

Through our money education programs, we are working hard to give people the skills and confidence to change that!

Have a money dilemma?

Money dilemmas can be a nightmare! They can leave you up all night ruminating about what to do, have you feeling alone and isolated or just plain ol' stuck. So, we are here to help. I am going to tackle one a week and give you my unbiased, no BS general thoughts on how to tackle your conundrum. We would love for you to send yours (or someone you know) in. 

Obvs all of this is general advice only... especially important to note any and all of the comments above do not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any information, you should consider the appropriateness of the information provided and the nature of the relevant financial product having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs.