BY: Jasmine Franklin
Published 3 days ago
This article is sponsored by Discover®, who believes everyone deserves the tools to best manage their finances. Budgeting can feel overwhelming for individuals with ADHD, but the right strategies can help make financial freedom possible.
Managing money is hard for everyone, but for people with ADHD, it can feel nearly impossible. Between impulse spending, forgetting due dates, and feeling overwhelmed by financial planning, budgeting often falls to the bottom of the to-do list. ADHD affects executive function, planning, staying organized, and resisting financial temptations even harder. But that doesn’t mean financial stability is out of reach. Here are five ADHD-friendly money management tips to apply to your budget!
The Habit of Neglecting Finances
If you have ADHD, you might relate to the cycle of financial neglect. It starts with good intentions—you set a budget, promise to stick to it, and maybe even download a finance app. But then life happens. Bills get buried under a pile of mail, impulse purchases sneak into your cart, and before you know it, you’re dealing with overdraft fees or a maxed-out credit card.
It isn’t about laziness or carelessness; it’s about how brains with ADHD function. The Attention Deficit Disorder Association states that many people with ADHD struggle with time blindness or losing track of time, impulsivity, and avoidance. Luckily, you don’t have to overhaul your entire life to improve your finances. Small, sustainable changes can make a big difference.
1. Automate Everything
Automating your bills is one of the easiest ways to avoid late fees and missed payments. Set up autopay for rent, utilities, and credit cards so you don’t have to remember due dates. If you’re worried about overdraft fees, set a calendar reminder to check your account a few days before payments go through.
2. Give Yourself an Impulse Spending Budget
Impulse spending doesn’t stop overnight, so work with it instead of against it. Set a monthly or weekly “fun money” budget that you can spend however you want and guilt-free. Or do what Kyrus Westcott, a content creator with ADHD, does. On the latest episode of the $pill The Tea series by Discover, he encouraged using “The 24-Hour Rule” to combat impulse spending. If he sees something he likes online, he saves the link or adds the item to his cart. If he still wants it after 24 hours, he buys it. This strategy gives him time to think through purchases and avoid unnecessary spending.
3. Set Spending Limits and Alerts
A common ADHD struggle is forgetting how much you’ve spent when it’s too late. Discover recommends taking advantage of tools that help you stay on track, like pre-set spending alerts if you exceed a certain limit that you get to choose yourself. These features can help you stay aware of your spending, prevent overspending, and give you peace of mind knowing you’re staying within your budget.
4. Find an Accountability Partner
If managing money alone feels overwhelming, seek support. This could be a friend, a family member, or a financial coach who helps keep you on track. Set up regular check-ins to review your budget, celebrate wins, and adjust your plan if needed. Having someone in your corner can make managing money less isolating.
The key to budgeting with ADHD is to work with your brain, not against it. With the right approach, you can develop better money habits and create a financial plan that works for you. Remember that progress is better than perfection. Even small changes can lead to considerable financial wins over time.
This site is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional advice. The material on this site is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and does not indicate the availability of any Discover product or service. It does not guarantee that Discover offers or endorses a product or service. For specific advice about your unique circumstances, you may wish to consult a qualified professional.
If you have ADHD, what budgeting tips do you use? Share your recommendations in the comments below.
