Let’s talk about ADHD and money. Or more accurately, let’s talk about how ADHD can turn your personal finances into a dumpster fire. You’ve got this brain that’s basically a hyperactive puppy on caffeine, and it just can’t resist the next shiny thing it sees. Boom. There goes your budget, flying out the window like a paper plane in a hurricane. If you, like me, got ADHD, you know exactly what I'm talking about.
The Honest Truth: ADHD and Impulsivity go hand in hand
ADHD and impulsivity go together like peanut butter and jelly, except way less tasty and way more destructive. Though I must say I'm not sure why I made that comparison, I don't even like peanut butter or jelly, but anyway, imagine you’re cruising along, trying to be responsible, and then BAM! Your brain decides you absolutely need that $300 kitchen gadget you’ll never use. You rationalize it to yourself: “I deserve a treat” or “I’ll definitely start cooking more.” Spoiler alert: you won’t.
Those impulsive decisions add up fast. One minute you’re wondering why your bank account is always empty, and the next, you’re swimming in a sea of “must-have” junk that you bought in a dopamine-fueled frenzy. Congratulations, you’ve just turned your financial future into a mess.
Depressed? Buying things makes you happy?
There's another layer of this ADHD financial shitstorm: depression. Yup, it’s often a lovely co-pilot on this chaotic ride. Many folks with ADHD also struggle with depression, and it’s a nasty cycle. Feeling down? Your brain craves a dopamine hit to lift the fog. Enter impulsive purchases. That fleeting thrill of buying something new feels like a lifeline, giving you a temporary boost. But here’s the kicker: it’s a short-lived high. Once the excitement fades, you’re left with regret and an emptier bank account, which only fuels your depression further.
It’s a vicious cycle that can leave you stuck in a loop of emotional and financial instability. Recognizing this pattern is crucial. It’s not just about poor impulse control; it’s about trying to fill a deeper emotional void with stuff. Understanding this can help you break the cycle and seek healthier ways to manage both your ADHD and depression.
Letting your priorities slip
Let’s not forget the irresponsive choices—those moments where you just can’t adult properly. Bills? What bills? Deadlines? Those are for suckers. You’ll get to it... eventually. And then, whoops, there’s a late fee. Or three. This isn’t just about being lazy or forgetful. ADHD brains are wired differently. You’re not irresponsible; your executive function just takes frequent and unapproved vacations.
Budgeting? Hilarious. Tracking expenses? Sounds boring as hell. Saving? Maybe next lifetime. It’s not that you don’t want to manage your money well; it’s just that your ADHD brain has other priorities. Usually, those priorities involve avoiding anything that feels like a chore, which is basically all of adult life.
And anytime you start to do the responsible thing, you just can't get the habit to stick. You might set up a budget, but then forget to track your spending. Or you’ll plan to save money, but then see something shiny and blow it all on impulse buys. It’s like trying to herd cats, except the cats are your thoughts, and they’re all on a sugar high.
How to quit the cycle
The situation is pretty bad, I'm not going to lie. Here’s the good news: you’re not doomed to be broke forever. It’s possible to manage your money, even with ADHD. It’s not easy, and it’s definitely not fun, but it can be done.
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Automation: Set up automatic payments for your bills. This way, your ADHD brain doesn’t get a chance to mess things up.
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Impulse control: Give yourself a cooling-off period before making any non-essential purchases. 24 hours can do wonders for your bank balance. Lock yourself in a basement if you have to. Or maybe give your credit card to a trusted friend for safekeeping.
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Budgeting Apps: Use them. They’re like financial babysitters for your ADHD brain. Find one that works for you and stick with it. Set up reminders, alerts, and notifications to keep you on track. All at the same time, if you have to.
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Accountability friend: Get someone you trust to help keep you in check. It’s harder to blow your paycheck on random crap when someone’s watching. Maybe the friend can slap you whenever you slip. Getting slapped sucks, so you’ll probably be more careful.
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Therapy and Medication: Seriously. If you’re not already, consider talking to a professional about managing your ADHD. The right strategies and/or medication can make a massive difference.
Living with ADHD is no joke, and it seems like everybody has it nowadays. Perhaps it is a symptom of the modern era and too many signals being sent to our brain, I'm not sure. Trying to manage your finances on top of that? Good luck. But acknowledging the problem is the first step.
Be blunt with yourself about your weaknesses, and then take concrete steps to counteract them. It won’t be perfect, and there will definitely be setbacks. But with a bit of effort, some smart strategies, and maybe a few curse words along the way, you can get your finances under control.
Stop making excuses and start making changes. Start taking control. Start channeling all that excess energy into making your life better instead of worse.
