How to Get a Refund on Your ADHD Taxes!
Let’s talk BUYERS REMORSE! Yeah, that gut-wrenching feeling you get after spending, and maybe even splurging on something and then realizing, "Oh crap, did I really need that?" I get it the Instagram or TikTok ads hits us and we click and then end up with a cart full of things that ‘are such a good deal’ then we see the credit card charge and reality sinks in! My current ads are serving me up these little skincare anti-aging microneedle/serum combo that have me so close to buying, but so far I’ve been resisting! 😬
Or is your latest ADHD tax when a subscription renewed automatically (maybe even an annual subscription), and you realize you haven’t used it since the last time you were charged for it?
First off, let me tell you, it's totally normal to feel this way and have this shit happen, even for neurotypicals! But the chances of things like this happening are much higher for us because well #ADHD! I mean, who hasn't made an impulse buy they later regretted? Whether it's that expensive gadget you thought would change your life, a business tool that was supposed to make your life so much easier, or those designer shoes that popped up on an Instagram ad, buyer's remorse can sneak up on us when we least expect it!
But what can be challenging is taking action to undo the purchase because, well, we like to procrastinate and worry what others will think when we try to get our damn money back. Can you say task avoidance?
Fear not because I've got your back! When it comes to dealing with buyer's remorse, especially from a financial standpoint, there are a few things you can do to ease the pain and maybe even salvage the situation. Whether it’s $50, or $5,000, you’ve got options.
Assess the Damage: Take a step back and evaluate the situation. Understanding the impact on your finances is crucial before taking any further steps. But the reality is that if you’re not going to use the thing(s), it’s worth a little effort to do what you can to get that money back in your hands!
Return or Exchange: If you're not happy with your purchase, don't hesitate to return or exchange it. Many stores have generous return policies, especially for unused items with the tags still on. In many cases you don’t even need to receipt if you purchased with a card because stores can use it to find your purchase.
Reach Out to Customer Service: Does the business's policy say you can't return the item but are still unhappy with it or not using it? Don't be afraid to reach out to customer service. Many companies are willing to work with you to find a solution, whether it's a refund, store credit, or exchange.
Sell or Trade: If returning the item really isn't an option, consider selling it online or trading it with someone else. You might not get back the full amount you paid, but hey, some money is better than none, right?
Now, let's talk about subscriptions and services. You know, those sneaky little charges that seem to slip under the radar until you check your bank account or credit card statement and realize you've been paying for that gym membership you never use or that streaming service you forgot you even had.
Find the Leaks: Take a good hard look at all those monthly charges and ask yourself, "Am I really getting my money's worth?" If the answer is no, it might be time to cancel or downgrade some of those subscriptions.
Negotiate: Don't be afraid to negotiate with service providers. Sometimes all it takes is a quick phone call to lower your monthly bill or score a better deal. Trust me, it never hurts to ask! Typically when you try to cancel, secret offers will come out of the woodwork!
Ask for What You Want: You may think that you are shit out of luck if you were charged for a monthly or annual subscription, but that is often not the case. I was recently charged for an annual subscription that I wasn’t using. I cancelled it online, so I knew I wouldn’t be charged again next year. But I didn’t stop there; I reached out to customer service to ask for a refund and was able to get one. I saved myself over $500 dollars by asking. TIP: If you are going to do this I find it’s helpful to be as friendly as possible when asking. It may not actually make a difference, but I feel like it does. 🤑
Set Reminders: To avoid future buyer's remorse, set reminders for yourself to review your subscriptions on a regular basis. That way, you can catch any unnecessary charges before they start adding up.
Dealing with buyer's remorse can be a real pain in the ass, but sometimes all you need to turn it around and get money back in your pocket is a little action. Remember, it's okay to make mistakes, everyone does.
