I Did It Again… Another Planner, Another Identity
If you’ve ever bought a planner to become “organized,” or workout gear to feel like someone who hits the gym at 5 AM, you’ve experienced identity shopping. It's not about the stuff—it's about the story we’re trying to buy into. And for ADHD brains, that story often stems from years of trying to mask our challenges and perform a version of “enough.”
As an ADHD Money Coach, I’ve worked with women who keep spending not because they’re irresponsible, but because they’re chasing a version of themselves that feels easier to buy than become. The good news? You don’t need another system, storage bin, or sticker set. You need a shift in identity—one that starts with who you already are, not who marketing says you should be.
In this post, I break down how identity-based spending patterns take root, what they’re really about, and how to rewire your financial habits by aligning them with who you choose to be.
Let’s unpack the cart and reclaim your identity.
Low Self-Confidence Affects Your Wallet
Expert Insight: Why Confidence Crashes Your Budget (Especially if You Have ADHD)
As a financial coach for women with ADHD, I’ve seen a pattern play out again and again: it’s not just about the money. It’s about the moment right before you spend, the emotion, the self-talk, the self-worth. The research backs it up. Confidence dips lead to impulsive swipes, especially for neurodivergent brains wired for immediate relief.
This isn’t about laziness or lack of discipline. It’s about how your brain processes stress, shame, and the lie that stuff equals success.
In this post, I break down the psychology behind confidence-triggered spending, the research that proves it, and exactly how to stop the cycle before it drains your bank account.
Let’s interrupt the spiral, with science, strategy, and a whole lot of self-compassion.
Dopamine Spending Hacks: How I Tame My ADHD Brain
Let’s face it: our ADHD brains are wired for novelty and quick hits of dopamine. That new planner? Irresistible. A flash sale on those cute sneakers? Pure temptation. I once spent $40 on a gadget I used once—because the rush felt good in the moment. Then came buyer’s remorse and a glaring hole in my budget.
Pause, Reflect, Realign: You Mid-Year Financial Reset.
WHY MY ADHD BRAIN LOVES TO CLICK BUY NOW
I’ll never forget the day my card got declined at Walmart with my kids in tow. My cheeks burned hotter than their frozen corn dogs. But that moment forced me to face my spending pattern head-on. Now, whenever I feel out of control, I picture that embarrassment—and it snaps me out of it.
Meal Planning & Money Planning
42.6% of Americans don’t plan meals ahead. 27% are living paycheck to paycheck. Only 44% could cover a $1,000 emergency right now. Half aren’t saving for retirement. ADHD? It’s a financial curveball. We tend to have a net worth 75% lower than our peers. Yeah, ouch.
But before the shame spiral kicks in—breathe. This isn’t about blaming ourselves. It’s about understanding why planning feels so impossible sometimes, and what we can actually do about it.
Financial Navigation for ADHD Brains That Actually Work
Let's be honest: Traditional financial advice often feels like it was written for neurotypical brains. "Just stick to a budget!" they say, as if willpower alone could overcome ADHD challenges.
From Spontaneous to Strategic: How One Client Transformed Her Financial Habits in 3 Months
Why Your Spending Might Be About Belonging
When ‘Other’ Becomes Everything: Why Vague Budget Categories Are Kryptonite for ADHD Brains
Why Vague Budget Categories are Kryptonite for ADHD Brains
Tracking your finances with ADHD isn't about perfection – it's about progress. A messy budget that you actually use is better than a perfect system that lives only in your head.
~Vanessa Dean
Creating Goals When you Have ADHD
Ultimately, setting goals when you have ADHD is not merely about becoming more productive — it’s about living our best life. By understanding our unique brains, embracing our strengths, and crafting goals that work for us, we can view every step forward, no matter how small, as a monumental victory.
The 40% Rule and ADHD
My attention wanes. Everyone with ADHD has this issue. We get distracted a lot. Shiny things, squirrelly things, green things, purple things, all the things distract us. To me, it isn’t enjoyable. But what if I can now push past that urge to go do something else and stay focused on the original task? If I only reach 40% of my focus capacity, I still have 60% more focus in me. And I can build on what I can already do, just like I’m doing with my running time. Just focus for five more minutes. Put in 5 more minutes worth of effort. I can build this focus muscle.
Savings, Spontaneity, and Self-Discipline
Did you know that savers can still struggle with their finances? They may be good at saving, but how about spending for enjoyment? It can honestly be a struggle.
No Spend September 2024
Simply put, a no-spend month is an entire month when you don’t purchase the extras. You purchase essentials only. So, stopping at the convenience store for a soda is out. Heck, purchasing that candy bar in the checkout lane is out. A lot of our spending is out. From appliances in the kitchen (I need a new food processor) to blankets or crafting stuff, we will not purchase it. I know it sounds like torture.
Mid-Year Financial Check-In: Evaluating Progress and Areas for Improvement
You need to do a mid-year checkup on your finances to see what is working and what needs improvement. I challenge you to find three things working well and three things that need improvement. Then, devise a plan for those things that need an updated game plan.
I’m famous
Empowering Financial Transformations: The Journey to Financial Freedom
The Cost of Spontaneity
