Why ADHD Makes Money Feel So Hard: And How to Reclaim Your Power
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at your bank account thinking “Where did it all go?”, only to feel a wave of shame and frustration you’re not alone.
For many with ADHD, managing money can feel like trying to hold onto water. You set goals, you start budgets, you try to stick to them… but somehow, it always feels like you’re falling short.
It’s not because you’re bad with money.
It’s not because you’re irresponsible.
And it’s definitely not because you don’t care.
It’s because traditional money advice was never designed for your brain.
The Invisible Struggle
ADHD isn’t just about being forgetful or scattereed, it’s a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts everything from how you plan and prioritise, to how you emotionally regulate and handle stress. And this plays out in your finances in ways that are often misunderstood or overlooked.
You might feel:
Constant guilt about spending, even on essentials.
Overwhelmed by bills, to the point of avoiding them entirely.
A deep desire to change… but no idea where to begin.
You may experience cycles of overcontrol and chaos, strict budgeting followed by burnout and impulsive spending. You try to make spreadsheets, download apps, set goals… only to abandon them weeks later, feeling like you’ve failed again.
But this isn’t a failure. It’s a sign that your financial system doesn’t support your nervous system.
Impulse Spending Isn’t Just a “Bad Habit”
Let’s talk about the impulse spending because for many with ADHD, it’s one of the most painful and misunderstood behaviours.
It’s not just about buying shoes you don’t need or late-night Amazon sprees. Often, it’s about trying to soothe discomfort. You’re exhausted. You’ve had a tough day. That dopamine hit from buying something new gives you a sense of relief, joy… even control.
But it doesn’t last. Guilt and shame creep in. You hide packages. You avoid checking your bank balance. And you promise yourself it won’t happen again… until it does.
This isn’t a lack of discipline.
It’s a brain wired for short-term relief, not long-term planning.
Shame, Scarcity, and the Stories We Inherit
There’s another layer here that no one talks about enough: the emotional inheritance of scarcity.
Maybe you grew up in a household where money was always tight or where it wasn’t talked about at all. Maybe you watched your mother overextend herself for the family, never putting her needs first. Maybe you were told not to trust yourself with money.
These stories don’t disappear.
They live in your subconscious.
They whisper, “You’re not good with money,” or “You don’t deserve more than this.”
And when ADHD is added to the mix, those old beliefs become louder, more chaotic, and more deeply ingrained.
So How Do We Heal?
The first step isn’t budgeting, it’s self-awareness.
It’s recognising that the way you handle money is not a reflection of your worth, but a reflection of how your brain has learned to cope. And when you understand the emotional and behavioural patterns that drive your financial habits, everything changes.
Here’s how to begin:
Start with small shifts, not big overhauls
Forget the perfect budget. Instead, create systems that work with your brain. For example, split your income into separate accounts: one for bills (no debit card), one for spending, one for savings, and one for emergencies. This removes decision fatigue and keeps your money visually organised.
Interrupt the impulse cycle with curiosity, not shame
Before you buy something out of emotion, pause. Ask: What do I actually need right now? Is it comfort? Connection? Rest? Replacing shame with compassion can change everything.
Make your money mission emotional
Saving for a rainy day won’t motivate your ADHD brain. But saving for that solo weekend retreat, that creative project, or the business you’ve dreamed of starting? That’s powerful. Your money needs a purpose that feels personal.
Track your wins, not just your mistakes
Every time you say no to something unnecessary, pay a bill on time, or stay mindful during spending that counts. Keep a running list. ADHD thrives on dopamine, so let yourself feel proud.
You're Not Alone in This
If you’ve read this far, you already know you’re not broken. You’re just tired of trying to fit into systems that weren’t made for you.
Your brain isn’t a burden, it’s beautiful, creative, and powerful.
It just needs the right support.
Financial freedom doesn’t come from restriction it comes from understanding. From rewriting the stories that no longer serve you. From designing systems that honour your energy, your needs, and your capacity.
Ready to begin your transformation?
Start by taking the FREE Money Archetype Quiz, a tool designed to help you uncover the unconscious patterns driving your relationship with money. You’ll gain clarity, compassion, and practical next steps tailored to how you think and feel.
Take the free money quiz
Let’s rebuild your relationship with money, with love, grace, and a whole lot of self-trust.
You’re more than capable.
You’re ready.
Blog post by Abigail Jankowitz