“Adults with ADHD often find the task of organizing their finances too tedious. As receipts and bills pile up, they may become overwhelmed to the point of denial or paralysis,” said Jane Massengill, a licensed clinical social worker and a certified master ADHD coach in Danville, Calif. Poor money management and negative consequences can lead to shame and avoidance of bills until they’re long overdue. The good news, she said, is that it doesn’t have to stay that way. Money management and financial issues can be overwhelming for anybody, but even more so for adults with ADHD symptoms. “Adults with ADHD can have a lot of fear around financial issues,” Massengill said. “Like most adult ADHD problems, taking things in small steps works best.” For instance, she says, “it might start with just going to the bank and arranging an automatic mortgage deduction.”

4 Solutions to ADHD Financial Problems

Money management doesn’t have to be painful. Making some simple changes can have a huge positive effect on your financial health. ADHD symptoms do not have to lead to financial disaster. Start with a plan and work forward step by step. Don’t be afraid to ask for help; you don’t have to do this all by yourself. And don’t feel embarrassed. Lots of people without adult ADHD also have money management problems. You can do this, so step up to the plate and get started.