Being in a healthy relationship allows each partner to flourish and grow. Unfortunately, most of us have been in unhealthy relationships at one time or another. As such, you know the signs that a man is using a woman for money, or that a partner is struggling with an addiction, or is insultingis essential. The more people know about the telltale signs of these relationships, the faster they can end them and protect themselves physically, emotionally, and financially.
10 signs a man is using a woman for money
If a woman wants to protect herself, both financially and emotionally, from one type of unhealthy relationship – being used for money – she will want to be aware of these signs:
1. He showers her with attention
At the beginning of the relationship, this type of man will shower a woman with attention to keep her committed. Moreover, he will spend lavishly and try to impress her with his ‘wealth’. She will be impressed by how sweet and attentive he is. Then when he feels that she is in love, the relationship will start to change.
2. He doesn’t have a job
This type of man is often out of a job, but his reasoning will usually be because he has been wronged or undervalued, not because he has done something to put him out of work. He will always say he is looking for a job, but he will never find one.
3. He doesn’t offer to pay
If they go out together, he will never offer to pay for their dates. He expects the woman to pay. However, in the early stages of the relationship, when he is trying to hook her, he will pay for everything.
4. He doesn’t let her meet his family or friends
A man who uses a woman for money prefers the relationship to remain in a vacuum. He won’t introduce her to family or friends. Furthermore, no matter how long they have been dating or how serious she thinks the relationship is becoming, he will only see her alone.
5. He doesn’t care about her family or friends
Moreover, he will show no interest in her family or friends. If he is forced to meet them, he will interact as little as possible.
6. He doesn’t talk about his finances
This type of man will not talk about his finances. If he’s bankrupt, she doesn’t know. “‘It is completely appropriate to inquire about a person’s financial status and goals during the dating phase…’ said Liz Higgins, a relationship therapist and founder of Millennial Life Counseling. ‘If this is accompanied by closed responses or an unwillingness to dialogue, I would definitely consider this a red flag'” (HuffPost). If she discovers his financial situation, he will say, just like at work, that his poor financial status is someone else’s fault. Maybe he’s divorced and will say his wife took all the money.
7. He knows about her finances
Instead, he will ask the woman about her finances and know as many details as possible. After all, he is looking for money from her, so he needs to know how much money is available.
8. He encourages her to spend money (usually with him)
Although he may not spend money on her after the initial dating period, he will encourage her to spend lavishly. Maybe he wants to go out to dinner and encourage her to buy the most expensive item, and he will stand next to her and do the same. ‘Beware of anyone who tries to guilt you into paying for things, or asks to borrow large sums of money… ‘Is your date asking for expensive gifts or outings?’ asks financial coach Tatiana Tsoir. ‘If so, they might think you’re busy and it’s time for a chat!’” (HuffPost).
9. He gets angry when she says “No.”
This type of man likes to get what he thinks he deserves. When she says “no” to some of his spending requests, he gets angry. If he says no too many times, he will break up with her and find a new woman who won’t say no.
10. He lies
Finally, a man who uses a woman for money is not honest. He will lie often. If he is caught lying, he will lie to cover up his initial lies. According to the HuffPost”A healthy relationship is based in part on shared values, with money touching many of those values,” [psychotherapist Noorhayati] noted. ‘Lying about your finances can and will ultimately put a strain on your relationship and cause you to lose trust in your partner.’ The urge to hide or ignore money problems is understandable, but it’s crucial that partners are honest about finances. Secrets and lies will only drive you apart and possibly lead to even worse financial problems.”
What to do if you recognize the signals
Knowing the ten signs that a man is using a woman for her money can help her carefully evaluate her relationship. Although she may really like or love her boyfriend, if the feeling isn’t reciprocated, it’s time to move on. Remember, if she stays with a man who treats her unfairly, she will lose the opportunity to find a man who will love and appreciate her and treat her the way she deserves to be treated.
To make way for healthier relationships, she wants to evaluate why she stayed in a relationship she was used to, build her own self-confidence, and learn to set healthy boundaries. Marriage.com advises, “Cultivating self-love and increasing your self-confidence are critical. If you believe in your worth, you will be less likely to accept being used as a standard.”
Financial independence tips for women
Recognizing red flags in relationships is only half the battle: real protection comes from building financial independence. In 2025, women will increasingly prioritize financial literacy and autonomy, and studies show this 94% of women are willing to take their finances into their own hands. Here are actionable steps to help women secure their financial future:
1. Create and stick to a budget
A well-thought-out budget is the cornerstone of financial independence. Track monthly income and expenses, then categorize expenses (housing, food, transportation, leisure). Identify areas that need to be cut and focus savings on long-term goals.
2. Build an emergency fund
Aim for at least 3 to 6 months of living expenses in a savings account with a high return. This safety net ensures that you are not financially dependent on a partner during crises.
3. Maximize retirement planning
Contribute to employer-sponsored plans such as 401(k)s and IRAs. Automate contributions to ensure consistency. Women often live longer than men, so retirement planning is crucial.
4. Strengthen credit and avoid high-interest debt
Check your credit score regularly. Pay off credit cards in full every month to avoid expensive interest. Good credit offers independence in making major purchases or securing housing.
5. Diversify income streams
Discover side jobs, freelance work or passive income opportunities. In 2025, women will increasingly use online platforms and flexible gigs to increase their income. Multiple revenue streams reduce dependence on any one source, including a partner.
6. Set clear financial goals
Define short-term goals (vacations, debt payoff) and long-term goals (home ownership, retirement). Research shows that people save with a financial plan 50% more every month.
Look for signs of dysfunction before investing
Unfortunately, there are many types of dysfunctional relationships. If a man uses a woman for money, he will likely exhibit some, if not all, of these symptoms. If you find yourself in this type of relationship, knowing the signs and having the confidence to end an unhealthy relationship can save you heartache.
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