When ‘Other’ Becomes Everything: Why Vague Budget Categories Are Kryptonite for ADHD Brains
In Part 1, we explored why traditional budget categories can feel like kryptonite to ADHD brains and why "just do it" isn't the answer. Now, let's discuss solutions—real, practical, ADHD-friendly ways to break free from the "Other" trap and create a budget that actually works for your brain.
So, what is the solution? The solution is to create a budget that's uniquely yours, one that works with your brain instead of against it. One of the first steps I take with my ADHD clients is helping them develop categories that actually reflect their life and thinking patterns. This isn't about forcing yourself into someone else's financial framework – it's about building a system that feels natural to you. If separating personal hygiene products from groceries helps you track spending better, do it. If lumping them together reduces friction, that's perfectly fine too. The key is to name categories in a way that makes immediate sense to your brain. Want to call your budget a "Money Map" or "Expense Adventure"? Go for it! The goal isn't to fit some traditional budgeting mold; it's to create a system you'll actually use.
Technology is your friend in this journey, but you need to invest in the right tools. While free budgeting apps might seem appealing, they often lack the automatic transaction importing that makes tracking manageable for ADHD brains. Apps like YNAB (You Need A Budget) or Monarch Money are game-changers because they can automatically categorize your spending based on rules you set up. Think of it as teaching your app to speak your financial language – once you tell it that Starbucks always comes from your "Coffee Fix" category, it'll handle that categorization automatically. This automation reduces the mental load and makes it much more likely you'll stick with your system.
Now comes the part that might feel uncomfortable at first: facing those impulse purchases head-on. No more hiding that random Target haul in a vague "Shopping" category. Instead, create specific categories that acknowledge these purchases for what they are. "Target - Impulse" tells a much more honest story than burying that cute throw pillow under "Household Essentials." This applies to all your frequent shopping spots. While some of my clients maintain a "Spontaneous" fund, we're careful to keep it from becoming another catch-all category. When I notice it starting to balloon, we dig into those transactions together. Yes, separating every purchase can feel overwhelming – that's why body doubling (having someone work alongside you) can be so helpful for this task. Remember, the goal isn't perfection; it's progress and awareness.
Your budget categories should speak your language, not someone else's. If 'Dopamine Shopping' and 'Things I Bought While Procrastinating' make sense to your ADHD brain, use them.
~Vanessa Dean
Start small – pick just one catch-all category that's been driving you crazy. Maybe it's that "Shopping" category that somehow includes both toilet paper and that cool LED lamp you couldn't resist. Don't worry about the others yet; they'll still be there tomorrow.
Begin with your most recent purchases – the ones still fresh in your memory. Pull up your bank account and look at the transactions from the last week or two. You might be surprised how much you actually remember about these purchases once you see them. "Oh right, that $42 at Target was for new towels and a shower curtain!" Take notes if you need to, but don't pressure yourself to remember everything.
If you hit a transaction and think "What on earth was that for?" – it's detective time. Most banks and credit cards let you click on the transaction to see more details. Sometimes just seeing the store location or exact time can jog your memory. If not, no sweat – mark it with a "?" and move on. You can always come back to it later.
Here's the crucial part: resist the urge to tackle everything at once. Yes, even if you're feeling motivated and your brain is screaming, "Let's organize ALL THE THINGS!" I know it's tempting, but pace yourself unless you've genuinely fallen into a productive hyperfocus session. Today's mission is just this one category. That's it. You're building a habit, not running a sprint.
Set a timer for 5 minutes if you need to. Seriously – five tiny minutes. It might not seem like much, but it's amazing what you can sort through in that time when you're focused on just one category. Plus, small wins build momentum. Those 5-minute sessions add up, and before you know it, you'll have a clearer picture of where your money's going.
Remember: Progress isn't always pretty. It's okay if some transactions remain mysterious or you need to create an "I Have No Idea But It Was Probably Important" subcategory. The goal isn't perfection – it's making a system that gives you better insight into your spending patterns, one small chunk at a time.
The truth is, living with ADHD means our brains work differently – and that's okay. We don't need to force ourselves into neurotypical budgeting boxes or accept the chaos of catch-all categories. What we need is a system that works with our unique wiring, not against it.
Start small. Pick one vague category to tackle this week. Set a timer for five minutes and sort through just your most recent transactions. Create categories that make sense to your brain, even if they seem weird to others. Let technology do the heavy lifting where it can. And most importantly, remember that imperfect tracking is infinitely better than no tracking at all.
Your financial clarity doesn't have to look like anyone else's. Maybe your budget categories include things like "Dopamine Shopping" or "Things I Bought While Procrastinating." That's fine! What matters is that they help you understand your spending patterns and make conscious choices about where your money goes.
When we finally step out of the "Other" shadows and into the light of specific categories, we gain something powerful: the ability to make intentional choices about our money. And for our ADHD brains, that clarity isn't just helpful—it's transformative.
Ready to start but feeling overwhelmed? I get it. That's precisely why I offer a 90-minute Budget Building session. In just one focused session, we'll work together to create a personalized category system that makes sense for your brain and your life. We'll set up your tools, create custom rules for your ordinary expenses, and get you started on the right path. Think of it as custom-fitting your financial glasses – suddenly, everything becomes clearer.
Whether you decide to tackle this solo or want some guidance, the important thing is to start. Pick one category today. Set a timer. And remember—you've got this. Your journey to financial clarity is just beginning.