5 Financial Systems for Entrepreneurs with ADHD
Running a business is a challenge, but for entrepreneurs with ADHD, the complexities of financial management can feel overwhelming and often lead to avoidance. The good news? You don’t need to conquer it alone or do it the hard way. Here are five ADHD-friendly financial systems that can make managing your money easier, faster, and stress-free.
These strategies aren’t about rigid rules; they’re about creating a flow that works for you. Some will be exactly what you need, while others may not be a good fit. Let’s dive in so you can find possible solutions to your financial overwhelm (and possible avoidance).
1. Automate Everything You Can
Automation involves setting up recurring payments, automatic savings transfers, or notifications for financial tasks. This can work in your business and personal finances, but is best partnered with items 2 and 3. Creating automations without the big picture can actually add stress, and we don’t want that!
Why it works: Forgetfulness and decision fatigue are common ADHD hurdles. Automation lets you manage your finances without relying on memory or last-minute effort. Because we all know the biggest lie we tell ourselves is that we will remember to do something!
Imagine: Your bills are paid on time, savings grow without extra effort, and your financial life runs like a well-oiled machine. With a few setup steps, you can remove 90% of the worry about missing something important.
2. Gain Clarity with Budgets That Works for YOU
Budgeting doesn’t have to mean spreadsheets and strict limits (although I am a big spreadsheet fan because it can do all the math for you). But the best budget is one that works for you. To make this happen, it can’t be centred around restriction and should include the things that are important to you. Ideally, if your budget allows it, including a little money for impulse spending can also help it stick. Maybe it’s a spreadsheet, you could also use a whiteboard, a notebook or anything else that you feel will work best for you.
Why it works: ADHD brains often need freedom to accomplish a task or implement something new in a way that works for you. If we are told there is only one way to do something, we tend to avoid it at all costs! A clear business and personal budget lets you see the big picture, spot trends, and reduce overwhelm.
3. Cash Flow Planning (Your Budget’s Cool Cousin)
A cash flow plan maps out your income and expenses over time, so you’re always prepared for what’s ahead. This is the next step to having a budget that helps you integrate the plan into your life. Start with what you have in your account now, what bills/expenses are coming up before your next pay day or client invoice and then do it again for your next pay day or business income.
Why it works: Traditional budgets show us our money in a monthly snapshot but don’t show us what it looks like in our lives. A cash flow plan gives you clarity in more detail, and as you get comfortable with your cash flow, you can use it to plan further into the future, which helps you see how your decisions today impact your future money.
Bonus: Cash flow planning helps smooth out the feast-or-famine cycles many entrepreneurs experience, giving you financial peace of mind. But, implementing step 5, helps with that even more!
4. Give Your Money a Job
On the business side, this means allocating your income into specific accounts for taxes and expenses and paying yourself. On the personal side, this means moving money so it has a purpose as soon as it hits your account. Too many times, I see personal and business spending increase with higher bank account balances, which tends to cause future issues, and having clear plans and taking steps to move your money to support your plans is something future you will thank today you for!
Why it works: ADHD brains thrive on clarity. When every dollar has a designated role, it’s easier to avoid impulsive spending and focus on what matters.
Pro tip: Use separate accounts for personal and business funds. It keeps things organized and reduces confusion at tax time. It also makes it easier to see exactly where you stand financially on both fronts.
5. The Flexible Profit First Method
The Profit First method prioritizes profit by dividing income into percentages for various accounts (profit, taxes, operating expenses, etc.). A key part of this method help you pay yourself a consistent salary despite having a variable business income.
Why it works: The structure of Profit First can help ADHD entrepreneurs feel in control of their finances. It gives you the clarity to know exactly what you want the money that comes into your business to do for you, and allows you to move your money without having to have any other steps done first. The traditional method can feel too rigid, so tweaking it to fit your needs is key.
For example: In my own business, I use a version of Profit First but adapt it so it is easier for me and aligns with my business and personal financial needs. By customizing the method, it becomes a system I can actually stick with, and you can too with the right foundation!
Why These Systems Work
Each of these strategies simplifies financial management in ways that ADHD entrepreneurs often need. By reducing decision fatigue, adding clarity, and creating automation, these systems take the pressure off and let you focus on what you do best: running your business.
Ready to take control of your finances and make these strategies work for you but feeling stressed about where to start or what to do next? Book a free consultation today and let’s create a personalized financial plan that fits your unique brain and business.
Continue Your ADHD-Friendly Money Journey
Looking for more tips to make managing money easier? Check out these other posts:
These resources are packed with actionable advice to help you thrive financially without the overwhelm. Let’s simplify your financial journey, one step at a time!
