How to Save Money with ADHD
Let’s dive into the sometimes chaotic world of saving money with ADHD! I’m here to help you turn what can feel like an impossible challenge into a reality!
Living with ADHD is like having a tornado in your brain that never stops. That can often mean that keeping track of your finances can feel like herding cats. But there are strategies that can turn chaos into cash.
Let's get into them!
1. The ADHD-Friendly Budget Dance
First things first: trash any thoughts that a one-size-fits-all budget will work for you because it won’t and then you’ll beat yourself up that it didn’t! It's time to craft a budget that suits your unique ADHD brain. It’s important to embrace flexibility and not create a plan focusing on restrictions and rigid rules. Traditional budgets leave us feeling like we have too many rules, so let's make one with some built-in spontaneity.
Picture this: a spreadsheet that's not a jail cell but helps you see the impact of today’s spending decisions on your future finances. Think more about allocating funds for necessities, but leave room for those impromptu latte cravings or last-minute adventures. The key is having a plan that lets you be you without feeling constant guilt. Stashing a little cash in your wallet or dedicating a separate account for your wild and free funds can be key to your success with this!
If you feel overwhelmed with where to start or how to create a plan with room for flexibility, you don’t have to do it alone. As a money coach (with ADHD) who supports ADHD folks, let’s connect to chat about working together. ♥️
2. Automate, Delegate, and Conquer
Time blindness, procrastination, and getting distracted – our ADHD trifecta. But guess what? We're not alone, and there are tools to help us conquer these challenges. Making automation your B is key (see what I did there 😆)!
Set up automatic transfers to your savings account every payday. Make your money work for you without you even thinking about it. It's like having a financial sidekick that never gets distracted or procrastinates. And don't forget to delegate – let those apps and reminders be your wingmen!
You can even check with your employer to see if they can separate your income and deposit it into separate accounts, which will help you forget your savings even exist!
3. Goal Setting with a Twist
Traditional goal-setting can be about as exciting as watching paint dry. But we're ADHD, and we need goals that light a fire under our A$$ES! Breaking down your financial goals into bite-sized pieces can help to keep us engaged.
Whether you're saving for that dream vacation, upgrading your at-home coffee set-up, or squirrelling away money for a rainy day, make tracking it visual and fun. Attach emotions to your goals so you feel connected to them and truly understand why they are important to you. Let your goals be the roadmap you are excited to follow that leads to your financial success!
4. Harness the Power of Routine
Routine might sound like a snoozefest, but hear me out. It's our secret weapon against procrastination. Create a daily money routine. It doesn't have to be an epic saga; even 5 minutes a day can work wonders.
Attach it to something you already do fairly consistently. Try grabbing your morning coffee and take a quick detour before you hit up social media! Take a few minutes to check your accounts, review your spending, and give your budget a quick once-over. It's like a daily flex for your financial health. Consistency beats intensity and can help you avoid being overwhelmed in the future. When it’s a habit with daily check-ins, the check-ins become less nerve-wracking because you just checked yesterday!
5. ADHD-Approved Money Mindfulness
ADHD can sometimes make us impulsive spenders, but with a dash of mindfulness, we can hit pause and reconsider. Before swiping that card, take a breath. Ask yourself: Is this a need or a want? Will it bring joy or just momentary satisfaction?
Mindfulness is like a shield against impulse spending. It's not about deprivation; it's about making conscious choices that align with our goals and values. Mindful spending = saving money without the guilt trip.
6. Celebrate the Wins, Big and Small
Let's celebrate what we have achieved instead of focusing on what we haven't done. Big or small, every step toward financial freedom deserves a freaking parade.
Saved a little extra this month? Treat yourself to a fancy coffee. Hit a savings milestone? Shout it from the rooftops. Celebrate the wins, and let the positivity propel you forward. You're not just saving money; you're conquering the financial world, ADHD style.
Saving money with ADHD is possible; it can be a journey filled with a combination of boring habits and exciting celebrations. Let's embrace our quirks, kick procrastination to the curb, and turn our financial goals into reality. Remember, it's not about the destination; it's about enjoying the ride – latte in hand, of course.
