What Kerry Katona Taught Us About Financial Ruin

From pop stardom in Atomic Kitten, Queen of the jungle and subsequent fall from grace, Kerry Katona is the ultimate comeback queen, clawing her way back to financial stability after years of financial, physical and mental abuse at the hands of her mother and past romantic relationships.

In a raw, unfiltered chat on the We Need To Talk podcast, Kerry opened up about some of the hardest chapters in her life, bankruptcy, relationships where money became a weapon, and turning to OnlyFans as a way to survive and rebuild from financial ruin.

If you haven’t listened to the podcast (and have nearly 4 hours to spare!), it’s a must listen for anyone that suspects they could be the victim of financial abuse or are looking to rebuild their lives.

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Kerry opens up

Here’s the painful, powerful stuff she discussed:

• Multiple bankruptcies

Kerry admitted to being bankrupt multiple times. Financial disaster wasn’t a one-off for her; it came with unstable income and poor financial decisions over a number of years.

• Feeling used for money

There were relationships where she felt people were with her more for what she could provide than for who she was. A friend even caught an ex lover taking blank cheques from Kerry. When confronted, he admitted that he didn’t know how long her fame would last so was siphoning off cash. Kerry was even convinced that the same partner staged a violent burglary in her home to steal Rolexes and cash.

• Turning to OnlyFans as a survival strategy

When options felt limited, she used OnlyFans to generate income.

How To Spot Financial Abuse

Financial abuse is often subtle. It grows quietly until you realise it’s draining something more than just your bank account – your self-worth and mental health. There are warning signs we want you to look out for, and knowing them early helps you protect yourself.

Here are things to watch out for:

• Your partner insists on being in control of the finances You have limited or no say in how money is spent or how bills are paid.

• They make you financially dependent  Maybe you don’t know your own bank passwords, or they discourage you from working or putting money aside.
• Your money mistakes are used against you Threats, shame, or manipulative blame (“if you weren’t bad with money I wouldn’t have to…”).
• Hidden debts, or being forced into debt Sometimes the partner racks up bills in your name, or you’re pressured to cover their spending.
• Lack of transparency or lying  Not telling you about bills, debt, how much money there is; hiding accounts.
• Punishing you for financial autonomy  If you try to open your own account, earn money independently, or say no to joint spending, and you’re met with resistance, guilt, or anger.

If You Think You’re Being Financially Abused, Here’s What To Do

This part matters. It’s not about blaming; it’s about knowing your options.

1. Reach out for help This could be a trusted friend, family member, or professional (debt advisor, counsellor, solicitor). Sometimes saying it out loud makes the first cracks in the control.
2. Document everything: Keep records: bank statements, messages, evidence of control, hiding money, demands. They matter.
3. Start or maintain some financial independence Even if it’s small: an account in your name, getting copies of bills/statements mailed to you, having some cash.
4. Get advice on legal protections  There are laws, women’s aid, domestic abuse services that cover economic abuse in the UK. Knowing what protections exist gives you more power.
5. Have a safety plan Emotional safety is as important as financial. If leaving a relationship is a possibility, plan how you’d do that: where you’d go, what you would take, what records you need.
6. Practice self-forgiveness & patience This is one of the hardest parts. You might feel guilt, confusion, anger. Those feelings are valid. Rebuilding takes time.

Head to the Financielle Community in the app to read more inspiring stories from our Financielle members who have overcome financial hardship.