I think we have to prioritise what we do. If to get free we just have to use a low interest bank account, I think it is worth it. Freedom is worth more than those dollars.

The interest dollars don't come to much anyway, for small savings.

You can get accounts that give you more interest if you don't withdraw, I think.

If you use banks, you need to make sure your husband doesn't see mail. You could try to get the bank not to send statements (check them on the net). Make sure you delete the computer "history" (using "internet options").

I understand exactly what you are saying but there are a few things to keep in mind. If you are leaving an abuser who you are married to and you will be getting a divorce then any attorney worth their fees are going to find any account with your name and social security number on it. And don't think you can hide it in your childs name because those also become fair game in a divorce. It's actually very easy for attorneys to locate accounts and then you have problems in court for lying in divorce documents because all bank and investment accounts need to be disclosed. This is really to prevent people from hiding large amounts of money but it's going to catch small accounts also. Cash, on the other hand, that you have stashed in an unused purse in the back of your closet is something that he will never see and never know about. So although I agree that it seems wasteful to just let cash sit around without putting it somewhere it could be making interest it is much more liquid and untraceable.

If, on the other hand, your abuser is not a spouse then do whatever you please. It's your money. Best bet on the amount is to calculate approximate rent for a place to live for 1 month plus a deposit, estimate utility bills for the first month plus a deposit, 1 month of groceries and 1 month of fuel for your vehicle. Then whatever feels like a comfortable amount for emergencies. (when I left I figured this at $200) If you will be hiring a moving company to move you out of your house don't forget that. That covers basics and will get you safely out of your house. Assuming you are employed anything past the first month and getting all utilities started will come with the paychecks that follow your escape.

Queenvalerie, what do you think of using a secret bank account to build up and store money until we are ready to leave BUT before we go for a divorce or whatever?

Maybe a trusted family member could help you out. A VERY trusted family member, I might add....

Any account with your name on it is going to turn up. And if that account is closed just prior to you filing for divorce it will be, at best, suspicious and reason to request more info in court. Every dime in a bank account or investment account is considered marital property and needs to be disclosed. Unless we are talking about numbers Swiss accounts, no bank account is truly untraceable. If you really feel the need to put it in the bank is it possible you have someone who is, or can be made, aware of your plans that will allow you to deposit it in their account? A family member maybe like Iamsosadnow said? If not, the safest and most liquid form of money is cash. To be truthful when I finally left it was the smartest thing I ever did. I had planned my escape for about 3 months but my actual leaving took place suddenly. It was much easier to grab 1 purse (or box or whatever) with cash in it and run.

Rosie, I agree w/ QueenVal...but you may want to check into Australian law just to make sure it is similar in this respect to US law....

I had money in an envelope taped to the back of my lingerie drawer, and stashed in the pocket of a winter coat I hadn't worn in 20 years. I had my own bank account but I just deposited my paycheck there. A family member would have been good, but my family lives in other states. It is a good idea to get your own post office box too....That way if you did have your own account, the statements could get sent to you there....You can also get your own credit card and use the po box for the address...(that's how I pd for my atty's retainer)

Do what ever you have to do to be safe.....

That would be a lot of cash for the rent, deposits, removals, attorney and initial costs.

Yes it is a lot of cash. I started by saving small bills and then exchanging them at the bank when i got up to a certain amount. Like when I had $100 in small bills I would take them to the bank and exchange them for one $100 bill.

What if you have a lot in an account? Should you withdraw it and hide it?

I would. In fact I did. As long as the account still has a respectable amount in it and you disclose that it exists they usually don't question it.

Thanks. I'll think about that.