W ord S earch
When Money Becomes Control
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THE HIDDEN REALITY OF FINANCIAL ABUSE IN MARRIAGE
Financial abuse in a marriage often hides in plain sight. Unlike physical or verbal abuse, it can be subtle, gradual, and camouflaged as “responsibility” or “love.” Over time, it erodes independence, confidence, and security. Recognizing the warning signs is the first step toward protecting yourself or someone you care about. ONE PARTNER CONTROLS ALL THE MONEY. A major red flag is when one spouse maintains total control over finances while shutting the other out. This might look like restricting access to bank accounts, refusing to share passwords, or demanding detailed explanations for every purchase. Healthy marriages involve transparency and shared decision-making, not secrecy and surveillance. YOU’RE GIVEN AN ALLOWANCE. If you have to ask for money or are given a fixed allowance regardless of household income, this can signal financial abuse. An allowance dynamic places one partner in a position of power while the other feels dependent, infantilized, or constantly anxious about spending. Adults in a marriage should not need permission to meet basic needs. DEBT IS USED AS A WEAPON. Financial abusers may run up debt in their partner’s name, pressure them into signing loans, or sabotage their credit. In some cases, they refuse to pay shared bills on purpose, knowing the financial consequences will fall on the other person. Over time, this traps the victim and limits their future options. SABOTAGING WORK OR EDUCATION. Another common tactic is interfering with a partner’s ability to earn money. This may include discouraging work, forcing them to quit a job, creating constant crises during work hours, or belittling their career ambitions. By cutting off income, the abuser increases dependence and reduces the likelihood of escape. FINANCIAL DECISIONS ARE MADE WITHOUT YOU. If major financial choices such as buying property, selling assets, or investing money are made without your input, that’s a serious concern. Marriage should be a partnership. Being excluded from decisions that affect your future is not just unfair; it’s a way to maintain control. MONEY IS USED TO MANIPULATE OR PUNISH. Withholding money as punishment, threatening to cut off financial support, or using money to force compliance are clear warning signs. Statements like “You’d be nothing without me” or “I pay for everything, so you do what I say” are abusive.
Hot Honey-Infused Feta Chicken
INGREDIENTS • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts • 1 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp black pepper • 1 tbsp olive oil • 3 tbsp hot honey • 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp crumbled feta cheese • 2 tsp fresh rosemary chopped (or thyme) • 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
DIRECTIONS
1. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. 2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. 3. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden. 4. In a small bowl, mix hot honey and minced garlic to create a glaze. 5. Place the seared chicken in a baking dish. Pour the hot honey mixture over top. 6. Sprinkle chicken with crumbled feta, then rosemary or thyme. 7. Bake at 400 F for 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165 F. 8. Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra caramelization. 9. Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with lemon juice and extra herbs before serving.
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