Stop Overthinking Your Money: Simple Budgeting Tips for ADHD Minds
Managing money can feel overwhelming for ADHD brains, but it doesn’t have to feel that way! Budgeting and managing your money doesn’t have to be complicated or take up hours of your time. In fact, with the right strategies, you can manage your money in 15-30 minutes each week, but it does take some time and effort to get to that point.
This guide is packed with action steps and tips grouped by how long they take to implement—because, let’s be real, sometimes you’ve only got five minutes, and that’s okay!
Quick Fixes: 5 Minutes or Less
These tips are for those moments when you’ve got a few minutes to spare and want to make a dent in your finances.
1. Set Up Spending Categories
Use broad categories that align with your priorities, like “Essentials,” “Fun,” and “Savings.”
Tools like Google Sheets, Excel, or a simple piece of paper are perfect for this. Bonus: If you don’t already have a plan to put categories to, see step 7. 🤑
Why It Works: Keeps things simple and easy to track.
Time Estimate: 5 minutes.
2. Automate Your Savings
Log in to your banking app and set up an automatic transfer to a savings account on payday.
Even $10 per week adds up over time.
Why It Works: Removes the temptation to spend money before you save.
Time Estimate: 2-3 minutes.
3. Book a Free Consultation with a Financial Coast that Specializes in Helping ADHDers! (hey, it’s me!!)
It’s quick and easy, and you don’t have to make a phone call to do it!
Use this link to schedule a time for us to chat to see if we are a good fit to work together!
Why It Works: Removes the pressure for you to figure it all out on your own!
Time Estimate: 3-5 minutes.
Got 10–15 Minutes?
Got a bit more time? These tasks are perfect for a quick session to build out your budget and create a system that works.
4. Separate your Spending Money!
Set up a system to separate your money for bills from your money for spending. A separate no-fee bank account with a recurring transfer every payday is a game changer!
Doing this will save you time and money and get rid of a lot of financial stress and mental math when deciding if you can buy something!
Why It Works: It helps you stick to a budget without tracking every expense.
Time Estimate: 10 minutes.
5. Set a Financial Goal
Setting a clear financial goal can help you get focused and put more money toward your goal.
Write it down where you’ll see it often—sticky notes, a planner, or a digital to-do list, and track your progress at least once a month!
Why It Works: It keeps you focused and motivated!
Time Estimate: 10 minutes.
6. Check Your Subscriptions
Review your monthly bank and credit card statements for unused or unnecessary subscriptions.
Cancel anything that doesn’t add value to your life.
Why It Works: Cuts down on “money leaks” and frees up cash for more important things.
Time Estimate: 15 minutes.
Deep Dives: 30 Minutes or More
When you’ve got more time and energy, dive into these tasks to create a more detailed and sustainable budgeting system.
7. Build Budget
List all your income and expenses; don’t forget about irregular expenses. If you’re a spreadsheet lover (or hate doing the math), this free budget tool can help you build your plan!
Check your bank and credit card apps to see if they have a spending summary to help you build your plan.
Why It Works: Having a clear plan for your money helps you know when you can automate or move money to your financial goals!
Time Estimate: 30 minutes.
8. Create a Financial “Cheat Sheet”
Write down all your account information, bill due dates, and minimum payments.
Keep it somewhere secure but easy to access when needed.
Why It Works: Simplifies your financial tasks and helps you stay on top of deadlines.
Time Estimate: 30–45 minutes.
9. Have a Weekly Money Date
Schedule a regular time (even 15–30 minutes) to review your budget, track progress, and adjust as needed.
Make it enjoyable—grab a coffee or play your favourite playlist while you do it.
Why It Works: It keeps your budget aligned with your goals and reduces the chance of surprises.
Time Estimate: 15-30 minutes per week.
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)!
Remember, the goal isn’t perfection; it’s progress. Pick one tip to start with today, and go from there. You’ve got this!
For more tips, check out my blog. Let me know which of these tips you’re trying or if there’s another budgeting challenge I can help with. 💬
