Spero Financial’s Post

Empowering others feels so freakin’ good! Especially after others have helped empower us. Paying it forward is deeply gratifying. More specifically, financial empowerment is essential to our health, happiness and overall well-being. Ask those who lack financial empowerment. The experience can be crushing. This is often particularly true for those in, aiming to leave or having recently left an abusive relationship, whether physical, emotional, psychological, or sexual abuse. This is because financial abuse almost without fail accompanies these other forms of partner abuse. In large part, this is because partner abuse isn’t really about abuse, it’s about CONTROL. That is the goal of domestic abuse or intimate partner violence - controlling the other partner. Who they see or spend time with. Whether they work or get an education. Where and how they spend money. All of the above is why I was beyond stoked to join the board of FinAbility, a non-profit with the mission of financially empowering abuse survivors. Leaving when you’re financially equipped with a good job/compensation, a solid credit score, and financial know-how is profoundly difficult on its own. Imagine leaving when you have no job, your partner has trashed your credit report and then cut off all access to financial resources. You have no where to live and three children to take care of. I don’t know about you, but the thought makes my chest ache. FinAbility was founded by survivors for survivors and is also largely lead by survivors. It seeks to empower survivors of domestic violence and their families to build the financial security needed to permanently break free from the cycle of abuse, live free from violence, and thrive. FinAbility provides classes and one-on-one financial counseling to help survivors leave and live happy, healthy and successful lives after they leave. FinAbility is undertaking a $15k fundraising campaign. If you are an abuse survivor and/or FinAbility’s mission speaks to you, consider giving here: https://lnkd.in/eXTsdgV2 To learn more about domestic abuse, FinAbility’s work, its founders, its board and other leaders, or how to access the resources it provides, read more at finabilityus.org. Please share this post with those you may know who are abuse survivors or those you think may be interested in giving. Also, feel free to message me with any comments, questions or concerns.

This payment demonstrates a severe lack of understanding of the needs of someone seeking safety. $1500 is ludicrous. This payment is extremely restrictive and too many hoops to jump through. It needs fixing asap. It needs to be distributed through community legal centres on the front line. Women need money for legal representation, to cover mortgage repayments and usually bills to keep the lights on and petrol in the car. $1500 is nowhere near enough to gain freedom from domestic violence. What survivors need. 1. Appropriate legal support to remove the perpetrator from the home and to keep themselves and their children safe from the perpetrator (usually the father). 2. Legal support to freeze assets and protect bank accounts, mortgage redraw access and all joint credit accounts and to separate financially from the perpetrator as quickly as possible. 3. Financial support with rent or mortgage for as long as needed to remain safely in own home. 4. Financial support to recover, rebuild and heal including counselling and therapy for mother and children. We will be doing a great service to society by providing appropriate supports for victim survivors and holding perpetrators accountable. This would save billions and billions of dollars. #HowDareShe be revered for her unpaid work as a mother. #HowDareShe be protected from misogyny!

✔️ Best case scenario: The parents have a Last Will and Testament that names a guardian, and maybe even have a Trust set up with funds to care for their children in their absence. ❌ Worst case scenario: When parents die without a Will naming a guardian for minor children, the courts typically step in to choose a surviving family member to take custody of the children. This is a life-altering moment for everyone involved affecting both lifestyle and financial circumstances. If you're unsure about whether your #estateplan has your children covered, head over to our blog to learn more 👉🏼 https://lnkd.in/gdvWewTw

Financial abuse can take on many forms. From the CFP Board, read more about how an abuser can use money to control and confine their victim. #realplanningforreallife #financialabuse

Financial abuse is one of the most common — and least understood — forms of domestic violence. By controlling household finances, abusers can keep partners trapped in relationships. If this is happening to someone you care about, it’s okay to remind them they deserve to have control over their own life and choices and to ask if there are ways you can safely help them. Learn more from the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV): https://loom.ly/XmDgDUE #SupportSurvivors #FinancialAbuse #EndIPV

Worried about yours or a loved one's finances? Learn what elder financial abuse is and how to prevent it for this week's #Thursdaytip. Learn More: https://lnkd.in/gmFqstdb #thursdaythoughts #thursday #thursdaytips #thursdaythought #tips #tipthursday #tipoftheday

Embracing peace of mind is all about taking proactive steps and having the right support systems in place. At Thrivin Life, we understand your concerns about financial security, child safety, and being prepared for the unexpected. That's why we offer a complimentary $2,000 AD&D policy, a free Last Will & Testament service, and a no-cost Child Safe Program. These benefits help you feel reassured and supported, knowing you've taken steps to protect your loved ones. Share if you agree, and visit our website to learn more! #PeaceOfMind #FamilyFirst #ThrivinLife Protect your family with Thrivin Life #THRIVINLife #LifeInsurance

Spousal abuse has been and continues to be a big problem, yet it remains somewhat under the radar. Oftentimes we envision spousal abuse in physical, or even verbal terms, but what about financial? A tactic used by abusers to control and dominate their victims, financial abuse features in 99% of domestic violence cases. It takes many forms such as restricting access to finances, forced labor, theft, and intentionally ruining credit scores. This strategy traps victims in abusive relationships, perpetuating cycles of abuse and poverty, with long-lasting effects. Children affected by these situations can also suffer serious developmental setbacks. The intersectionality of financial abuse with physical and emotional abuse further complicates the issue. To combat this, Scouller recommends raising awareness, training professionals, enacting legal reforms, and investing in resources for victims to regain independence. Financial institutions should also provide support. The goal is to empower victims to reclaim their lives. Click on the image below to read more.

For ppl returning home from prison, opportunity and community can be life changing & create a pathway to success. The #JusticeAndMobility Fund works to give justice-impacted individuals a #fairchance to thrive & to dream big. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gACPTYDk #SecondChanceMonth

For National #FinancialAwarenessDay, we wanted to share the many ways our wonderful Case Managers help Veterans experiencing homelessness with their finances. Every Veteran has different barriers and goals, so the way that we help is tailored to their individual needs! -Budgeting: By reviewing a Veteran's income and expenses, we help them determine an appropriate price range for housing options. -Financial Education: We facilitate groups on money management and fraud prevention. -Employment Services: We assist Veterans to find employment as increasing income is often a step towards permanent housing. -Benefit Applications: We assist Veterans with applying for VA or Social Security Benefits if eligible. -Credit Report Review: We assist clients with pulling their credit reports and identify ways to improve their score which will help with housing applications. -Referrals to Services: We refer clients to legal resources for financial issues such as excessive child support or alimony. We provide referrals to financial counseling or fiduciary services if needed. -Financial Accountability: Reviewing bank statements ensure Veterans are following their savings plan and can reveal reoccurring membership charges that the Veteran is unaware of and needs help cancelling.