How to become financially independent from DH?

[~me~]

It's a tough situation you are in.

Yes, start your own bank account and putting money in it. Get yourself a PO Box at the post office for just you.
I would be making an appointment with a CL person and explain your situation and what you want and then see the services, entitlements you can get.

Perhaps even talk to the Salvo's or St Vinnies and see what advice they offer. Sadly they would see this sort of thing alot I imagine. They probably have advisors that would point you in the right direction.
It may be wise to start copying things like house deeds, his bank statements, share portfolio's, investments and anything financial that he may be able to hide if and when you decide to leave.

[Laranna]

Sorry to hear you are having to go through this

Definitely open your own bank account and get a PO box for your mail only. Try and save some of the money that he puts into your spendings account and move it over into your own bank account. You might have to withdraw the cash first then deposit so there is no trace that he could see. If he asks about the cash withdrawals just tell him it's for groceries, etc.

Talk to centrelink, you never know there might be something you're eligible for.

[Sopdet]

One of my girlfriends is currently doing this. She has recently opened her own bank account, she is putting money into that account from the household budget. Her current DH (because she is working towards him being her XH) controls all of her spending, while we were in Bali in Sept she had to ask for extra spending money to buy presents for the kids (mainly because we made her spend the money he had initially given her on herself with spa treatments, clothes etc). She realises it is going to be a journey to get to the point that she has enough of a nest egg to be able to leave him, but we’re all behind her 100% and supporting her in any way she can.