Leaving Isn’t Free: How to Financially Prepare to Leave an Abusive Relationship

At Purse Strings, we don’t shy away from the hard conversations. In our latest session, we tackled a topic that too many women are forced to navigate in silence: financial abuse, emotional manipulation, and the courage it takes to leave an unhealthy relationship.

This isn’t just theory. It’s real life. And it’s why we created Purse Strings—to give women a safe space, the right tools, and a team of professionals who get it.

Breaking the Silence

Financial abuse is abuse. Period. Yet it’s often the least recognized form, even though nearly nine out of ten women experience some form of financial control or manipulation in their relationships.

Our podcast, Women & Money: The Shit We Don’t Talk About, and our weekly Money Talks are dedicated to putting these “uncomfortable” truths on the table—because awareness is power, and silence only protects the abuser.

A Story of Strength: Dr. April Murdaugh

During this session, Dr. April Murdaugh bravely shared her story of leaving an emotionally and financially abusive marriage. Her journey shows just how much courage, planning, and resilience it takes to break free—and why financial independence is often the key to escape.

Here are some of the steps she took to create her new life:

• Financial preparation: Opening her own bank account, selling assets, and borrowing from trusted friends. 
• Practical choices: Moving into a safe neighborhood with strong schools for her kids.
• Support systems: Leaning on her community and selling household items to create breathing room.

Facing the Fear

One of Dr. April’s most powerful reminders? Sometimes you have to put your mental health above a perfect credit score.

Financial fear can be paralyzing, but survival and slow, steady recovery are victories worth celebrating. You don’t need to have it all figured out before you take the first step—you just need to start.

How Purse Strings Can Help

This is exactly why Purse Strings exists. We’re here with:

• Free tools and resources to guide your journey 
• A community of women who understand what you’re going through
• A vetted network of financial professionals—people you can trust, who know how to serve women

And if you missed this session? Don’t worry. You can catch the replay and explore upcoming talks, including our next Money Talks on estate planning—a critical part of protecting yourself and your family.

Closing Thought

Dr. April’s story is proof of what’s possible when women choose themselves. Her resilience—and the stories of countless women like her—are reminders that no one has to do this alone.

At Purse Strings, we believe every woman deserves to be financially fearless. That means breaking the silence, sharing our stories, and building the confidence to take control of our futures—together.

Visit our newly updated website to find resources, rewatch past Money Talks, and connect with vetted professionals ready to stand beside you.

Because when women have both support and strategy, nothing can hold us back.

Join us for our weekly Money Talks session, where we break down real-life money topics. To explore our Purse Strings Approved Professionals, check out our directory to find an expert!