Financial abuse is the exertion of power, control, and manipulation to the detriment of a person.  This form of abuse negatively impacts a person in a number of ways. Here’s the thing, many women become financially disempowered after marriage and experience financial abuse in silence. So, this week, during the Divorce Survival Guide series on abuse, we are exploring the topic of financial abuse. 

My special guest is Lili Vasileff. She is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Master Analyst in Financial Forensics (MAFF™) specializing in Matrimonial Litigation, and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®). In this episode we explore what financial abuse looks like, the complexities involved, and red flags to watch for. 

And yes, while this is a conversation about financial abuse, it is also one about financial empowerment too. 

Join me next week when we explore how to communicate with a high-conflict co-parent. You can sign up for my email list to be notified whenever a new episode is released or subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast listening app. 

Show Highlights

• The difference between financial infidelity and financial abuse. (4:52)
• Financial abuse explained. Did you know that one in three victims of financial abuse don’t even recognize it for what it is? (8:12)
• Is financial abuse common? Lili shares. Plus, some ways it may show up in a relationship. (9:46)
• Steps to take to ensure financial security at the beginning of a relationship. (18:38)
• You want to get divorced but have been abused, controlled, and manipulated. Lili offers some ways to get out of this type of situation and find financial freedom. (22:41)
• There are organizations willing to teach, help, and support women to get back into a career, to learn how to budget, learn how to invest, and go through a divorce. (26:44)
• Some red flags and characteristics of a financial abuser. (35:26)

Learn More About Lili:

Lili A. Vasileff is a fee-only Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Master Analyst in Financial Forensics (MAFF™) specializing in Matrimonial Litigation, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®), and President of Wealth Protection Management based in Greenwich, CT. She is a trained mediator, collaborative financial specialist, and qualified litigation expert. She trains divorce professionals in the Collaborative process and presents on financial topics regularly at the New York City Bar Association. 

She is a nationally recognized expert practitioner, speaker, writer, and author of three books: “Money & Divorce: The Essential Roadmap to Mastering Financial Decisions” published by the American Bar Association; and “The Ultimate Divorce Organizer, The Complete Interactive Guide to Achieving the Best Legal, Financial and Personal Divorce”, and “The Divorce Planner Checklist”. 

Lili is the co-president of the National Association of Divorce Financial Planners (ADFP).  Her awards include the prestigious 2013 Pioneering Award for outstanding public advocacy and leadership in the field of divorce financial planning, the Women’s Choice Award as a highly recommended Financial Advisor by Women for Women; CEO Today 2018 Business Woman of the Year Award; Five Star Wealth Manager Award for last 12 years, the Best Wealth Protection Manager 2019 – Northeast USA and Recognized Leader in Divorce Finance 2019 by Wealth & Money Management, and Marquis Who’s Who Albert Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.  Her website is www.wealthprotectionmanagement.com.

Resources & Links:

Lili’s website
Lili on Twitter
Lili on LinkedIn
Lili on Instagram
Lili on Facebook
Lili on YouTube
DSG Abuse Mini-Series: Escaping Domestic Violence with Leslie Morgan Steiner
DSG Abuse Mini-Series: Escaping Emotional Abuse with Beverly Engel
Should I Stay or Should I Go Facebook Group