Let’s just say it out loud – money can feel like a four-letter word when you’re living with ADHD. Not because you’re not smart or capable (you are), but because finances require a particular set of executive functions – planning, prioritising, impulse control – that don’t always come naturally to the beautifully wired ADHD brain.
If you’ve ever opened your online banking with one eye closed, like it’s a horror movie… or found yourself Googling “what happens if I ignore my credit card bill forever” – you are not alone.
But here’s the thing: financial fitness isn’t about being perfect with money. It’s about learning to build a relationship with it that feels safe, empowering, and, dare I say it, fulfilling.
From Frazzled to Fulfilled
So many people I work with have spent decades feeling like they’re failing at money. They tell me stories of missed bills, shopping binges to feel better, unopened envelopes (hello, financial avoidance), and a deep sense of shame.
But here’s what no one tells us: our struggles often aren’t about the money itself – they’re about the meaning we attach to it.
Money can represent freedom, worthiness, control, or safety. And if your brain is constantly dancing between distraction, overwhelm, and trying to do all the things at once, it’s no wonder the numbers start to blur.
True financial fitness begins when you shift the focus away from spreadsheets and toward self-compassion.
Let’s Talk Coaching (and Why It’s a Game-Changer)
Now, before you roll your eyes and say, “Here she goes again with the coaching plug,” hear me out.
Coaching isn’t about someone wagging their finger at you because you forgot to log your transactions. It’s about having someone beside you – someone who gets how your brain works – and gently guiding you back to your values. It’s about uncovering what you really want and helping you get there without shame, blame, or burnout.
In coaching, we look at:
- What’s actually important to you? (Because financial freedom looks different for everyone.)
- What beliefs are keeping you stuck? (“I’m just bad with money” is a popular one I hear.)
- How can we create systems that fit your brain, not someone else’s colour-coded budget planner?
With the right support, even the most “disorganised” spender can become confident, clear, and calm around money.
Mind the Gremlins: Limiting Beliefs About Money
Let’s peek into the attic of your mind for a moment. Dusty old boxes. A few cobwebs. And oh – what’s that in the corner? Yep, it’s a gremlin whispering, “You’ll never be good with money, so why even try?”
Limiting beliefs are sneaky like that. They sound like truth, but they’re just stories we’ve picked up along the way. Stories from childhood, from past mistakes, from that one rude bank manager who made us feel about two inches tall.
Here’s a secret: you can rewrite those stories. You can decide that from today forward, you are a person who is learning to lead their financial life with confidence and kindness. No spreadsheets required. (But if you like spreadsheets, I won’t stop you.)
Be the Leader of Your Own Life
Now we’re getting to the juicy bit. Financial fitness isn’t about numbers – it’s about power. Not power over others, but power within yourself.
Imagine standing tall, grounded in who you are, knowing that your financial decisions align with your values and support your dreams. That’s the kind of leadership we’re talking about. Not the loud, bossy kind – but the quiet, courageous kind that says, “I am in charge of my life.”
People with ADHD often feel like they’re being pulled in a million directions. But when you step into financial leadership, even in small ways, you begin to take your life back. You say “no” to things that drain you and “yes” to the things that light you up. You plan not from a place of panic, but from a place of purpose.
A Few Loving Tips to Start
Let me leave you with a few simple ideas to gently ease into financial fitness:
Pick one small habit to start. Track your spending just for one category this week. No pressure, just curiosity.
Create a “Joy Jar.” Put a coin or small note in each time you make a conscious, value-aligned spending choice. It builds positive momentum (and a nice little treat fund!).
Talk about it. Money shame festers in silence. Speak to a coach, a friend, or a support group. You’ll be amazed how many people are right there with you.
Celebrate progress. Didn’t impulse-buy that thing on Temu? That’s a win! Ate at home two extra nights? Another win. These tiny shifts matter.
If you’ve read this far, Franny-style hugs to you. Because awareness is step one. And if your heart is whispering, I want to feel more in control of my money, then you’re already on your way.
So, take a deep breath, straighten those shoulders, and remember; this isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about becoming more of the wise, capable, heart-led person you already are.
Let’s build a life where your money supports you – not the other way around.
