cover of episode Financial Abuse and Resilience with Mary Bonnet of Selling Sunset

Financial Abuse and Resilience with Mary Bonnet of Selling Sunset

2024/10/24
logo of podcast Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin

Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin

Key Insights

Why did Mary Bonnet decide to keep her finances separate from her husband Romaine?

To avoid repeating the financial abuse she experienced in her previous marriage.

What was the financial impact on Mary Bonnet when she discovered her second husband had run up credit card debt in her name?

Her credit score dropped to under 500, and she had to file for bankruptcy.

How did Mary Bonnet's childhood influence her approach to money?

She grew up in a frugal household and learned the importance of credit from her mother.

What career did Mary Bonnet pursue to support her son after becoming a teenage mother?

She became a radiographer to earn a good income quickly.

What advice does Mary Bonnet give for rebuilding credit after financial setbacks?

Start with secured credit cards and make multiple payments to show responsible behavior.

Why did Mary Bonnet resign from her position as manager at her real estate office?

She was constantly mediating arguments, which was affecting her mental health and work quality.

What significant life event motivated Mary Bonnet to focus on financial independence?

Becoming a teenage mother at 15 and wanting to support her son.

How did Mary Bonnet's experience with financial abuse affect her current relationship with money?

She remains cautious and values financial security, maintaining separate finances from her husband.

What business lesson did Mary Bonnet learn from her mentor, Jason?

To continuously learn and absorb knowledge from successful people in the industry.

How does Mary Bonnet manage to maintain kindness in a cutthroat work environment?

She leads with her natural kindness but has boundaries and knows when to assert herself.

Chapters

Mary Bonnet discusses her past experience with financial abuse, how it impacted her relationship with her husband now, and her journey to financial independence.
  • Mary's second husband racked up nearly six figures of credit card debt in her name.
  • She had to file for bankruptcy and rebuild her credit from scratch.
  • Mary now keeps separate finances from her current husband and has a prenup for peace of mind.

Shownotes Transcript

We know about romance scammers like the Tinder Swindler, who steal money from people they’re dating… but what do you do if you’re married to that person? And how do you trust anyone ever again? That’s what Mary Bonnet had to ask herself when she found herself in a toxic relationship and a victim of financial abuse. 

You know Mary from Netflix's Selling Sunset, and today, Nicole and Mary do talk about the show— but they also talk about everything in Mary’s life that happened before the cameras started rolling. They talk about how Mary’s second husband racked up nearly six figures of credit card debt in her name, how that experience impacted her relationship with her husband now, and what the heck is going on with the Selling Sunset cast. 

Read Mary's new book here: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/selling-sunshine-mary-bonnet?variant=42536247361570

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