All in ADHD and Money
For people with ADHD, the numbers tell an even more startling story. Studies suggest that individuals with ADHD are 12 times more likely to experience financial distress than those without it. Impulsive spending is a common ADHD trait, often triggered by boredom, stress, or even excitement. And since dopamine levels in ADHD brains are lower, shopping can feel like a quick fix—but it’s a fix that comes with a hefty price tag.
ADHD brains crave simplicity when they are looking for a tool to help them with something they aren’t excited to work on, but what feels simple varies wildly from person to person. Some of us love colour-coded charts and spreadsheets (hi, it’s me 🙋🏼♀️) while others need to be able to see at a glance where they stand.
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.
If you want to answer the question, ‘Can I afford it?’ (or better yet, when can I afford it 😉) confidently, cash flow planning is for you! It also helps you avoid those awful moments when you check your account and realize you forgot a bill was due, which often adds extra fees and interest, and I don’t want that for you!. 😬
But the ripple effects of getting your financial house in order are far-reaching. This isn’t just about numbers in a spreadsheet (although that is one of my love languages and an easy way to make changes with your money without all the math 😆); it’s about the bigger impact.
Budgeting with ADHD doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. By breaking tasks into manageable chunks and focusing on what works for you, you’ll find that managing money becomes easier—and dare I say, even enjoyable (but as a financial coach and personal finance lover, I may be a little biased)!
