 TITLE: Financial Abuse: How to Identify and Stop It CONTENT: How Financial Abuse Can Affect Your Credit and Finances\n-------------------------------------------------------\nFinancial abuse can ruin your credit and finances. If your partner siphons off or totally depletes your savings, runs up charges on your credit cards, takes out loans in your name, fails to make payments on debt, blocks your access to accounts or interferes with your ability to make money, you could be left penniless, in debt, out of work and with poor credit.\nSelf-assessment is key. Have you been prevented from opening or accessing accounts? Are you cut off from managing day-to-day finances? Do you suspect money is being funneled into a secret account? Financial abuse is different in every case and can sometimes be difficult to recognize. If you feel intimidated, threatened, deceived or bullied—or you feel you can't productively address your concerns with your partner—these are red flags, doubly so if financial issues are part of a larger pattern of verbal, sexual or physical abuse.\nIf you suspect financial abuse, accessing your credit report can be a helpful first step. You'll see your credit card balances and payment histories, and whether new credit inquiries have been made or new credit taken out in your name. Access your credit report for free at all three credit reporting agencies at AnnualCreditReport.com. Be mindful of your safety: Online activity on your home computer could be trackable by your spouse or partner. END