Episode 305 | How Money Can Help You Leave an Abusive Relationship | Justine De Peralta | Afraid to Affluent, LLC

Episode 305 features Justine De Peralta of Afraid to Affluent, LLC. We’re discussing how money can help you leave an abusive relationship. Listen now!

Justine De Peralta is a former classroom teacher turned Certified Financial Educator (CFEI), Money Coach, Domestic Violence Counselor, and author of her brand new book, Girl, Jump! Building Your Financial Safety Net to Leave an Abusive Relationship and Reclaim Your Freedom.

She specializes in helping BIPOC women and domestic violence survivors develop financial literacy and confidence to navigate difficult money situations and rebuild their lives.

Her commitment to supporting these communities began in 2007 when she served at a local courthouse for 4 years, assisting individuals facing divorce, child custody, and eviction—where financial struggles and domestic violence often emerged as key challenges.

Despite building a career in education, Justine transitioned into financial services after leaving a physically, emotionally, and psychologically abusive marriage.

She intimately understands financial hardship, having faced no emergency fund, high credit card debt, living paycheck to paycheck, collections, and hitting financial rock bottom.

But she also knows how to bounce back—stronger, smarter, healthier, and wealthier—and now dedicates her life to teaching women how to do the same.

Her debut book, Girl, Jump! Building Your Financial Safety Net to Leave an Abusive Relationship and Reclaim Your Freedom, is a powerful guide for women seeking to reclaim their financial power and break free from limiting beliefs.

Drawing from her personal experiences, Justine shares practical tools and strategies to help readers overcome financial challenges, transform their relationship with money, and embrace a life of courage, healing, and abundance.

*Trigger Warning: This episode contains sensitive discussions about domestic violence, including experiences of financial abuse, emotional manipulation, and physical harm. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know needs support, please consider reaching out to a professional resource or hotline for help. A list of resources are available below.

In this heartfelt conversation, Justine shares her powerful story of overcoming financial abuse and transforming into a passionate financial educator and advocate for domestic violence survivors.

She opens up about the red flags of toxic relationships, the emotional toll of financial control, and the critical importance of financial independence for women, especially those in abusive situations.

Justine provides valuable insights on recognizing financial abuse, building a support system, and practical steps to regain financial freedom.

She emphasizes the power of self-reflection, personal growth, and creating a financial safety net to reclaim freedom and independence.

Episode 305 Highlights:

Financial independence helps women avoid being trapped in abusive situations.
Financial control is a common tactic in abuse, making it harder for victims to leave.
Spotting red flags early can help prevent emotional and financial abuse.
Creating a financial safety net is essential for those in toxic relationships.
Self-love and personal growth are crucial for healing after leaving an abusive partner.
Local shelters and hotlines offer vital support and resources for victims.
Gift cards can be a discreet way to offer financial help to someone in need.
Knowing where you stand financially is the first step toward independence.
Free legal consultations can help you explore your rights and options.
Abusers often isolate victims from friends and family—self-help centers can provide support and legal resources.
Don’t share your plans to leave with the abuser.
Having your own financial resources can be life-saving.
Financial abuse is real and often overlooked.
A strong support system is key when leaving an abusive relationship.
Starting over can feel overwhelming, but it’s often necessary for healing.
Clarify your “why” to stay focused on your goals.
Prioritize self-investment and personal growth.
You are in control of your own life story.
A financial safety net is a powerful tool for lasting independence.

Chapters:

00:00 Empowering Financial Independence for Women
09:35 Navigating Toxic Relationships and Red Flags
20:18 Financial Strategies for Leaving Abusive Situations
26:27 Navigating Legal Resources for Divorce
28:47 Safety First: Leaving an Abusive Relationship
30:41 Financial Independence: Protecting Your Assets
32:32 Recognizing Financial Abuse
39:08 Supporting Women in Transition
41:03 Embracing the Journey of Starting Over
44:20 Identifying Your ‘Why’ for Change
46:44 Empowerment Through Self-Reflection
50:06 Building a Financial Safety Net

Below are important hotlines/resources for anyone affected by domestic violence and awareness/advocacy around DV (domestic violence), toxic/unhealthy relationships, and divorce:

United States
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), visit thehotline.org, or text START to 88788. Available 24/7 for free, confidential support.
- National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: Call 1-866-331-9474, visit youth.gov or text LOVEIS to 22522.

Canada
- ShelterSafe: Visit sheltersafe.ca to find resources and shelters by region.
- National Domestic Violence Helpline: Call 1-800-799-7233. Available 24/7 for free, confidential support.

United Kingdom
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline: Call 0808 2000 247 for free and confidential, available 24/7.

Australia
- 1800RESPECT: Call 1800 737 732 for national sexual assault, domestic, and family violence counseling services 24/7.

Global Resources
- The Pixel Project: Visit thepixelproject.net. Provides a global list of helplines and shelters.

Past YQD® podcast episodes as more resources:

Please reach out for help if you or someone you know is in need.

Watch the full interview on our YouTube channel! Subscribe here.

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Until next time, stay empowered, stay inspired and #staypoderosa ✨

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Meet Jannese

Jannese Torres is a award-winning Latina Money Expert, Educator, Speaker, Writer and Business Coach. She became an accidental entrepreneur after a job loss led her to create a successful Latin food blog, Delish D’Lites. Now, she helps her clients and listeners build successful online businesses that allow them to pursue financial independence and freedom.

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