5 Money Rules for ADHDers to Avoid: And What to Do Instead!
As a financial coach with ADHD who helps my fellow ADHDers change their relationships with money and hit financial goals they never thought were possible, you know I’ve got thoughts on money ‘rules’! Let me start by saying this: most of the traditional money advice out there? Not built for ADHD brains.
You've probably seen the “golden rules” plastered across the internet:
Always save 20% of your income.
Don’t spend more than x% on housing.
Never use credit cards.
If you track your spending, everything will be fine.
Wait 48 hours before making a purchase.
Cool cool cool. But like… have they met us?
If you’ve got ADHD, following rigid, one-size-fits-all money rules can feel impossible. And when we try and fail to follow them, it just adds to the shame spiral. You start thinking you're bad with money. You’re not. Those systems just weren’t made for you.
As a financial coach who works exclusively with ADHDers, I’m here to tell you: There are only two rules I believe in.
Rule #1: Spend less than you make
That’s it. That’s the foundation. And I know—easier said than done. But when we flip the narrative from “you’re bad with money” to “let’s figure out a system that actually works for your brain,” everything changes.
Spending less than you make doesn’t mean living off rice and beans or cutting every joy from your life. It just means being intentional. Making sure your money is going where you want it to and not where impulse, guilt, or overwhelm sends it. And yes, this is possible for you!
Rule #2: Separate your personal and business finances
If you’re self-employed (or thinking about it), please listen to me on this one: keep your personal and business money separate.
It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just open a separate bank account and run all your business income and expenses through it. It’ll save you so much stress when it comes to tracking, taxes, and feeling like you actually know what’s going on in your biz. I know it’s a pain in the ass at first to get set up but future you with be so glad that you did!
Okay, so what about the rest of the “rules”? Honestly, I think it’s time we break them. Let’s flip the script, and build a system that will actually work for ADHD brains:
🧠 Anti-Rule #1: Budgeting needs to feel flexible, not restrictive
If budgeting feels like a punishment, it’s not the right system for you. Often, even hearing the word budget can cause financial stress to creep in. If this is you, give your money plan a new name (like your money plan 😆). And think of it as a way to tell your money where you want it to go instead of a plan that will take all the fun out of your life! I believe that your plan has to include things you enjoy or it won’t be sustainable long-term!
🧠 Anti-Rule #2: Automate everything you can
ADHD + forgetfulness = missed payments, overdraft fees, and unnecessary stress. Set up auto-transfers to savings, auto-pay on bills, and calendar reminders for things you can’t automate. Setting things up to go where you want them to go on payday can be a huge help because we often make decisions based on the balance in our bank accounts.
Using all the tools you have at your disposal is not lazy, it’s smart!!
🧠 Anti-Rule #3: Make it visual
Out of sight = out of mind. Use a money dashboard, colour-coded spreadsheets (yes, even fun ones), sticky notes, whatever works. Don’t rely on your brain to remember things, because it won’t!
🧠 Anti-Rule #4: Do less more often
Big, boring financial tasks? Break them into bite-sized steps. Instead of a 2-hour money date once a month, try 10 minutes every couple of days. ADHDers are more likely to follow through with small consistent actions than “big deal” moments. This can be especially helpful when building your money plan for the first time. If starting feels overwhelming, commit to working on it for 10-15 minutes, then set a timer. When the timer goes off, you’re done…unless you find that you’re on a roll and want to keep going!
🧠 Anti-Rule #5: Guilt has no place here
If you overspend, have more debt than you’d like to admit, don’t have any money saved, or haven’t looked at your accounts in weeks, you’re not a failure. You’re human. And ADHD adds layers that most people don’t understand. Let go of the guilt. Pick one small thing to do today. That’s enough.
Here’s what actually matters...
You don’t need to follow someone else’s strict set of financial rules. You need a plan that matches your values and systems that make implementation and follow-through easy.
Some of us want to travel more. Others want a latte every damn day. Some love being frugal. Others need support in managing their money while running a business. All of that is valid.
When I work with clients, I don’t force anyone into a box. We get clear on your goals and the life that you want for yourself. Then we figure out where your money’s going and build ADHD-friendly systems that actually support your life, and doesn’t take hours of your time each week. No two plans are alike because you are a unique individual, and your money plan needs to be unique too!
Because money management isn’t about doing it “right.” It’s about making it work for you.
Want help figuring out a money system that fits your brain? Book a free consultation with me and let’s talk about what’s actually possible when shame is off the table and you have a financial professional who understands you!
