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Neurotypical money strategies don’t always work best for people with neurodivergent brains.
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The term “neurodivergence” describes differences in brain function. Neurodivergent people have different strengths and weaknesses from those with typical neurological functioning or neurotypical people. As such, it can be a struggle for many neurodivergent people to manage their finances.
If this resonates with you, keep reading. Whether you spend money impulsively, forget to pay your bills, or find it challenging to stay committed to your money goals, you’re not alone. The following tips may help you manage your money and reach your personal finance goals with greater ease.
1. Use automation to your advantage
Many neurodivergent people struggle with working memory, so it can be difficult to remember to handle necessary financial tasks. You may want to use automation tools if you struggle to remember to save money or pay bills.
Here are two ideas:
Automate your savings. If you’re finding it difficult to reach your savings goals, you may want to automate the savings process. You can set up automatic transfers and have money automatically transferred to your savings account regularly.Enable automatic bill pay. You can set up automatic bill payments for some bills, including credit card payments. This move can help you avoid missed and late payments.
2. Set alerts and reminders
If automation isn’t for you, that’s okay. Another technique that may help you reduce forgetfulness is to use alerts and reminders. Find a strategy that won’t overwhelm you. Here are a few ideas a try:
Set up payment reminders. You can set up payment due date alerts for some bills, like credit cards. You’ll get a reminder by email or text message that your credit card payment is due soon.Use your mobile phone to stay on track. You can set up reminders to alert you of important tasks or use your phone’s calendar to track when bills are due.Use a paper and pen. If you prefer a non-electronic approach, you may want to try using a paper calendar or colorful sticky notes to remember important dates.
3. Gamify the process
As someone with ADHD, I get bored quickly; I have to be interested in something to remain focused. Gamifying a boring task can help me focus better. You may want to gamify your money matters. Whether you’re working to pay off debt, trying to reach a savings goal, or hoping to get better at following a budget, you may be more successful by making it fun. Consider these options:
Make it interactive. Budgeting apps may be helpful if you like technology. These apps allow you to set goals and monitor your progress and can make managing your finances more interesting.Track your progress. Tracking your progress may help you stay focused. Whether you use a spreadsheet or create colorful charts and graphs, you may find that seeing your progress enables you to stay on track with your goals.Celebrate your wins. Give yourself credit for all your hard work. You may stay more committed by rewarding yourself as you make progress. Start with small goals and work your way up from there.
4. Log out of shopping apps to reduce overspending
You’re not alone if you suffer from impulsivity. Many neurodivergent people overspend and struggle with credit card debt. You may find it easier to manage your spending by logging out of shopping apps and websites as soon as you place an order. It will take more effort to log back in and place another order, which may deter you from making unnecessary purchases.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
No one can do it all alone, and it’s okay to ask for help. If you’re finding it difficult to manage your financial matters independently, don’t hesitate to get assistance. If you live with family, a trusted roommate, or a partner, you could ask them to share some of the household financial responsibilities so you feel less overwhelmed.
Find what works best for you
No one solution works for everyone. You may need to experiment to find what strategies work well for you. Much of the typical financial advice only works well for the neurotypical brain. If you’re neurodivergent, don’t be afraid to get creative and think outside the box so you can master your money in a way that works best for you.
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