Surviving and thriving after financial abuse with Tammy Casselson

In this episode of Money and a Good Life, hosts Stephanie Coombes and Ryan Watson sit down with author, educator, and advocate Tammy Casselson to talk about her lived experience of financial abuse. 

From the outside, Tammy’s relationship looked perfect. But behind closed doors, she endured years of coercive control, including financial abuse that left her and her children facing homelessness. 

Tammy shares her very personal story of survival, the red flags to look out for, and the role that community, support, and financial literacy play in breaking the cycle of abuse. She also discusses her book, The Grimmest of Fairy Tales, which offers both a confronting and hopeful look at rebuilding after family violence. 

This conversation is a powerful reminder that financial abuse can happen to anyone — and that healing and independence are possible with the right support. 

In this episode, we cover: 

• How coercive control and financial abuse creep in over time 
• The devastating financial and emotional toll of abuse 
• Why leaving can be the most dangerous time for survivors 
• The importance of financial literacy and open conversations about money 
• The role of community, empathy, and education in recovery 

Resources and Support: 

• Tammy’s website 
• The Grimmest of Fairy Tales (book) 
• CWES – Centre for Women’s Economic Safety 
• Good Shepherd Financial Abuse Hub | Call 1300 050 150 
• 1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732 
• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 46 36 
• Kids Helpline – 1800 55 18 00 

 

Here’s to your Good Life. And thanks for listening.  
 
 

You can find us at https://www.tribecafinancial.com.au/   

Our guest:  

Tammy Casselson, author, educator, advocate, and survivor 

Connect with Tammy on LinkedIn here. 

Follow Tammy on Instagram here. 

 

Our hosts:  

Ryan Watson, CEO, Tribeca Financial   

Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/r-watson/  

Stephanie Coombes, podcast expert and media strategist  

Follow Steph: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-coombes-62903825/  
 
 

Tribeca Collective Pty Ltd, ABN 54 604 005 209 trading as Tribeca Financial has been appointed as a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR No.1008603) of My Dedicated Advisory. My Good Life ® is a registered trademark of Tribeca Collective Pty Ltd.   

Advice given in this podcast is general in nature and is not intended to influence decisions about investing or financial products. Our listeners should always seek their own professional advice that considers their own personal circumstances before making any financial decisions.  

Tribeca Financial acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.