Let’s be real: budgeting is already a struggle, but when you throw ADHD into the mix? Whew, chile, it can feel like trying to do calculus while juggling flaming swords. The spreadsheets, the tracking, all the numbers, the “just remember to…”, – the lions, tigers, and bears OH MY!
It can be difficult, which may cause one to think that the system was not designed for brains like ours. And yet, we still gotta pay these bills, save some coins, and somehow avoid blowing the budget on impulse Amazon hauls at 2 a.m. (Remember, we listen and don’t judge).
Listen, as a Neuro-Sparkly girlie myself, I got you, boo! Here are five budgeting hacks that work for ADHD brains, tested, and approved by yours truly.
ADHD-Friendly Budgeting Hacks that Actually Work
#1 The “Out of Sight, Out of Swipe” Method
We love a little dopamine hit from spontaneous purchases, but that same excitement quickly turns into, “Why is my bank account looking at me like that?” To curb impulse spending, remove temptation:
- Delete your saved card information from online stores—having to manually type it in every time makes you think twice.
- Unfollow brands that make you spend unnecessarily -Your timeline doesn’t need that kind of negativity.
- Use cash or a prepaid card – So you physically see your money leaving your hands.
Out of sight, out of mind, out of financial distress!
#2 Automate Like Your Life Depends On It
Listen, we don’t have the executive function to manually remember due dates, transfers, or savings goals. Automation is our BFF!
- Set up automatic bill payments so you’re never hit with late fees.
- Auto-transfer savings right after payday before you have the chance to overthink it.
- Use apps that round up purchases and sneak that extra change into savings. Passive saving? We love to see it.
#3 The “One-Card Wonder” Strategy
Too many accounts? Too much chaos. Keep it simple:
- Have one debit card for bills and set your autopays from there.
- Use a separate debit or credit card for spending (within limits, of course).
- Have a high-yield savings account with NO debit card access, so you can’t “accidentally” dip into it. I love my Ally account!
This keeps your money organized without you having to do mental gymnastics every time you spend.
Grab the new CGS Personal Finance Portfolio to help you stay organized with your accounts, monthly numbers and more!
#4 The ADHD-Friendly “Fun Budget”
Budgets fail when they feel like punishment, so let’s flip the script. Give yourself a “fun money” allowance every month! This way:
- You still get to enjoy your little splurges guilt-free.
- It prevents all-or-nothing thinking (because we know restriction leads to rebellion).
- You have a clear boundary for treating yourself, without wrecking your financial goals.
The trick? Keep your fun money separate from bill money (you can use an envelope system, digital wallets, or a second checking account).
#5 Use Visual Reminders & “Gamify” the Process
If it’s not engaging, we’ll forget it exists. I’m talking to my “This will be the planner that will change my life” girlies who have 50+ unused planners and journals 🙃Period. Make budgeting ADHD-friendly by:
- Use a colorful budget planner or financial vision board (yes, stickers count as productivity).
- Making saving money a game—reward yourself for hitting savings goals (but within reason, sis).
- Create a money mantra/affirmation and set it as your phone wallpaper. Something like, “I am a financially responsible baddie” or “Every dollar I save is a step toward a soft life.” Speaking of money affirmations, if you aren’t seeing all of Raya’s Money Affirmations in the CGS Facebook group, you’re missing out on some powerful stuff!
Final Thoughts: Give Yourself Grace
Budgeting with ADHD isn’t about being perfect, it’s about finding a system that works for YOU. Some months will be better than others, and that’s okay! The goal is to build financial habits that stick, not to beat yourself up when things go off track. Trust me, I’m preaching to the choir here!
Try these hacks, tweak them to fit your life, and remember: you deserve financial peace and freedom!
Related: How to Manage Impulsive Spending if You Have ADHD
If you’re a proud member of the CGS Community, drop some love and comment below! Stay connected with us via our IG @citygirlsavings and join the tight-knit online community via our City Girl Savings Facebook Group. Love podcasts?! Listen to the City Girl Savings podcast featuring our very own Founder/CEO, Raya Reaves, as she covers topics to help us City Girls live the life that we deserve!
-Lena
The CGS Team
