There are many risks associated with being married to a narcissist. One of the biggest is financial risk. Narcissists often feel entitled and believe they deserve everything they want, regardless of the cost to others.
They can be very irresponsible regarding money, spending recklessly and leaving their partners with crushing debt.
In this blog post, I will explore the nine financial risks of being married to a narcissist and how you can protect yourself from them.
1. Financial risks of being married to a narcissist include losing money and assets due to the narcissist’s spending habits, mismanagement, or deceitful behavior.
Being married to a narcissist can be a financial nightmare. Narcissists are often excessively wasteful with money, and their spending habits can quickly spiral out of control.
In addition, narcissists often have difficulty holding down a job, which can lead to financial instability. And finally, narcissists are often dishonest and manipulative, which can result in your losing money or assets through deceitful behavior.
If you’re married to a narcissist, you must be aware of the financial risks involved. By taking steps to protect yourself financially, you can help mitigate the damage a narcissist can cause.
2. The narcissist may also use financial resources as a form of control or coercion in the relationship.
Narcissists are known for their manipulative and controlling behavior, which can extend to their use of finances in the relationship. A narcissist may control the family finances and prohibit their partner from having any say in how money is spent.
They may also use financial resources as coercion, threatening to withhold money or cancel joint accounts if their partner does not comply with their demands.
This behavior can create a feeling of powerlessness and dependency in the relationship, making it difficult for the victim to assert their own needs.
If you are in a relationship with a narcissist, it is important to be aware of this behavior and plan to protect yourself financially.
3. If the narcissist is the primary breadwinner in the family, the victim may be left financially vulnerable in the event of separation or divorce.
Narcissists often present themselves as being successful and in control. This can be in the form of material possessions, a high-powered job, or a glorious personality.
As a result, they are often the primary breadwinner in their family. While this may seem like a good thing, it can leave their partner vulnerable in the event of separation or divorce.
Without an income of their own, the victim may be forced to rely on the narcissist for financial support. This can make it very difficult to leave an abusive relationship, as the victim fears being left without any resources.
It is important to remember that no one deserves to be treated poorly, regardless of their financial situation.
4. Narcissists often have difficulty managing money, leading to serious financial problems for the individual and the family.
Narcissists often have a sense of entitlement and grandiose thinking, leading them to make impulsive, expensive purchases. They may also believe they are above the rules regarding money management, leading them to take risks resulting in financial losses.
In addition, narcissists often have difficulty expecting future consequences, which can lead to problems with saving and investing. As a result, narcissists may find themselves in debt or experience financial ruin.
While this can be devastating for the individual narcissist, it can also have severe implications for the family members financially dependent on the narcissist.
5. The narcissist’s need for excessive attention and status can often lead to expensive lifestyle choices that strain the family’s finances.
A narcissist’s need for praise and attention often leads to excessively lavish lifestyle choices that can strain the family’s finances. From needing the latest designer clothes to driving an expensive car, narcissists usually require the best of everything to maintain their image.
This can quickly lead to financial problems for the family, mainly if the narcissist is the primary breadwinner. In addition, a narcissist’s sense of entitlement can often result in them trying to keep up with wealthy friends or relatives, regardless of the cost.
As a result, it is not unusual for a narcissist’s household budget to be strained to the breaking point. If you are married to a narcissist, it is important to be aware of their spending habits and try to keep them in check as much as possible. Otherwise, you may find yourself struggling to make ends meet.
6. The victim may also be responsible for many household expenses, even if they are not earning an income.
The financial risk of being married to a narcissist can be significant. The victim may end up responsible for many household expenses, even if they are not earning an income.
This can be particularly difficult if the victim cannot work due to health reasons or because they are taking care of children. The narcissist may also refuse to help with bills or expenses, leaving the victim struggling financially.
This can cause stress and anxiety and make it very difficult for the victim to escape the abusive relationship.
7. The narcissist’s manipulative behavior can cause significant financial damage to the victim’s credit score and reputation.
The narcissist may convince the victim to take on debt in their name, run up large bills, or make financial commitments that the victim cannot afford. The narcissist may also encourage the victim to engage in risky or illegal financial activities.
As a result, the victim’s credit score and reputation may suffer. In some cases, the narcissist’s actions may even lead to criminal charges. If you are involved with a narcissist, it is important to be aware of their manipulative tendencies and take steps to protect yourself from financial harm.
8. The victim may find it difficult to maintain financial independence from the narcissist, even after leaving the relationship.
After years of being in a narcissistic relationship, the victim may find it difficult to re-establish their independence. The narcissist has likely taken complete control of the finances, leaving the victim without any money of their own.
Even if the victim can get a job, the narcissist may find ways to sabotage their career or block their access to financial resources. As a result, the victim may be utterly dependent on the narcissist, even after leaving the relationship.
9. The financial consequences of being married to a narcissist can be long-lasting and difficult to overcome.
Being married to a narcissist can profoundly impact your financial well-being. Not only do narcissists tend to be huge spenders, but they are also often unwilling to help with household expenses or child-rearing costs.
In addition, they may engage in risky financial behavior, such as gambling or investments, that can leave you financially vulnerable.
Narcissists also tend to be highly manipulative, and they may use their financial power to control and abuse their partners. As a result, many people who are married to narcissists find themselves struggling to make ends meet.
In some cases, the financial effects of being married to a narcissist can last for years after the relationship has ended.
What should you do if you’re already married to a narcissist?
There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from the financial risks of being married to a narcissist:
1. Get a prenuptial agreement. This will protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
2. Keep your finances separate. Don’t blend your money with your spouse’s; ensure you have your bank account and credit card.
3. Don’t let your spouse take control of your finances. Make sure you are always in charge of your own money.
4, Keep track of your finances and be aware of any changes in your spouse’s spending habits. If you suspect your spouse is abusing their finances, consult a financial advisor for help.
4. Be alert to any red flags that your spouse may be financially abusive. If you suspect your spouse is engaging in financial abuse, seek help immediately.
Last words
If you are in a relationship with a narcissist, it is important to be aware of the financial risks. Having an exit plan and consulting with an attorney about your rights can be helpful. Please share your experience of married life with a narcissist in the comments box below.
References
- Kaitlyn M. Werner, Aidan Smyth, Marina Milyavskaya; Do Narcissists Benefit from Materialistic Pursuits? Examining the Relation Between Narcissistic Tendencies, Extrinsic Goals, and Well-Being. Collabra: Psychology 1 January 2019; 5 (1): 58. doi: https://doi.org/10.1525/collabra.253
- How Narcissists Use Money to Abuse-Psyc Central
- Financial Strategies for Divorcing a Narcissist: Part 4-Miles Mason
