Financial disorders are a subset of the broader psychological disorders, and they ARE recognized by health professionals. One of these financial disorders is Financial Dependence when one partner in a relationship is dependent on another for financial support.
Who Are These People?
Many people are affected by it, mainly those who have all their money given to them, and someone else is managing it for them. They include:
- Trust Fund Babies
- Stay-at-home parents
- Welfare recipients, especially generational recipients
- "Children" in their 40's and 50's who are still living with their parents
How Do I Know If I Suffer From Financial Dependence?
Here are some of the signs:
- Anger: all the money you receive has strings attached
- Lack of ability to ever support yourself
- Lack basic financial knowledge, such as balancing a check book
- Being in a bad relationship and being afraid of getting out because you cannot support yourself
- Lack of self-confidence
- No idea of family income or socio-economic status
How Can I Get Out Of It?
There are a few things you may want to try:
- Start managing the household money if you're not earning it. There are two positions of control with money: earning and managing. That will give you confidence.
- Put some money aside in your own name. This will give you support if you suddenly find you're on your own.
- Educate yourself in as many ways as possible: go to school to learn about financial literacy, go to the financial planner when your spouse goes, open your family bank statements and above all, ask questions when you need to know answers about your financial situation.
- Get a job; if you don't need the money and you feel guilty about taking money from someone who needs it, then volunteer. This will give you the confidence you can support yourself.
Who do you know of anyone who is financially dependent? Do they fit the attributes mentioned above? What will you do to help them? Do you have any suggestions that aren't included? Let us hear from you!