WHY MY ADHD BRAIN LOVES TO CLICK BUY NOW
Let’s be real: before my ADHD diagnosis, I was the queen of “just one more thing.” I once grabbed a clearance candle at Target, convinced it was a financial masterstroke—until I got home and realized I already had three identical candles. Sound familiar?
When Emotions Meet Shopping Carts
Raise your hand if you’ve ever shopped because you were bored, stressed, or just plain tired of adulting. That quick dopamine hit feels amazing—in the moment. Then comes the guilt, the “Why did I do that?” spiral, and the dent in your bank account.
My Top Triggers (Spoiler: They’re Totally ADHD Things)
Time Blindness FOMO: “Sale ends in 3 hours!” feels like life or death.
Executive Funk: I plan budgets in my head… which is basically like herding squirrels.
Novelty Rabbit Holes: Oh look, a new planner system—I definitely didn’t need another one…
How I Hit “Pause” (Instead of “Checkout”)
Brain Before Buy: I snap a screenshot or take a quick photo of the item. If I still want it after 24 hours, I give myself permission to go back. That breathing space is a total money-saver game-changer.
Impulse Interrupter Ritual: When I feel the itch, I text a friend: “Help—I’m about to buy ___.” The accountability is real, and usually I rethink it.
Fun Fund Freedom: I give myself a weekly “treat” budget—$25 to spend guilt-free. It’s like budgeting permission to be a little wild.
Auto-Save Sinking Funds: I funnel money into separate accounts: one for Tank’s vet bills, one for home projects, and one just for “fun.” What I can’t see, I can’t spend.
The Turning Point Moment
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.
Your Next Step
Pick one of these tactics and try it today. Screenshot your next impulse, set up that 24-hour rule, or carve out your own fun fund. Notice what trips you up most—and design a simple hack to interrupt it.
Impulse spending doesn’t have to keep you stuck. With a little self-awareness and ADHD-friendly systems, you can reclaim your cash and calm that inner chaos.
What’s your biggest spending trigger? Hit reply or drop a comment—I want to hear your story and help you brainstorm a fix that actually works for your brain.