Which scenario best exemplifies financial abuse?

Financial abuse occurs when one person exerts control over another's financial resources, restricting their access to money and financial independence. In the scenario described, a partner who limits their significant other's access to funds can significantly undermine that person's autonomy and ability to make financial choices. This behavior can lead to feelings of powerlessness and dependency, which are hallmarks of financial abuse.

The other scenarios reflect positive financial behaviors, such as budgeting, wise investing, and saving for emergencies, which promote financial health and independence rather than exploitation or control. In contrast, the scenario with the partner controlling access to money clearly illustrates a harmful dynamic in which one individual's financial freedom is compromised by another's actions.