ADHD Money Talk

We explore how childhood experiences shape our adult relationship with money, especially for those with ADHD who receive an estimated 20,000 more negative messages than praise by age 10. • Children with ADHD often develop shame-based beliefs from chronic criticism • These negative messages literally rewire the developing brain • The prefrontal cortex (responsible for decision-making) is affected b...

Ever wondered why “pay in four” buttons feel irresistible? They’re designed to exploit ADHD brain wiring—leveraging executive function deficits, dopamine manipulation, working memory overload, and future blindness. Services like Klarna, Afterpay, and Affirm thrive on “phantom debt,” with the average person juggling 9+ payment plans and paying hefty merchant fees and penalties. Millennials and Gen...

David DeWitt shares his personal journey from financial disaster to freedom, revealing how understanding the connection between ADHD, shame, and money behaviors transformed his relationship with finances. • Breaking free from the shame cycle that drives ADHD financial behaviors • Understanding how self-beliefs sabotage financial progress despite good intentions • Learning that willpower and discip...

On this episode, I'm sharing a transformative system that has eliminated my impulse spending by using something called a "token economy" with gold stars that can be redeemed for desired purchases.  This approach bridges the dopamine gap for ADHDers like you and me by providing immediate, tangible rewards for positive financial behaviors. • Token economies provide external rewards th...

ADHD Money Talk is back!  Dave is joined by a new (and possibly recurring?!) guest, Max Moclock. Max graduated from Penn State with a degree in Finance. After 10 years in corporate America, Max started a career pivot to becoming a brand strategist. He received an ADHD diagnosis in 2012 and is passionate about creating space for others to feel confident and empowered, regardless of their diagnosis....

Unlock the secrets to mastering your career and finances, especially if you have ADHD, with insights from our 35-year veteran ADHD career coach, Shell Mendelson. We kick off the episode with an exciting announcement of our new project aimed at helping ADHDers gain better control over their financial lives. Shell shares her invaluable wisdom, including her adapted version of the iconic "What C...

Discover the interplay between financial coaching and the unique challenges that come with ADHD as I bare all in a transparent reflection of ADHD Money Talk's journey. Step into the heart of my endeavors where I grapple with balancing the creation of engaging content and the depth of client work, all while evolving my business to meet the diverse financial needs of those with ADHD. As we navi...

Ever feel like Uncle Sam is reaching too deep into your pockets? We've got you covered! On today's lively episode, we're unraveling the complex world of taxes for our ADHD community, tackling a tough question from Yvonne in our ADHD Money Talk Facebook group. She's got a state pension and a 403(b), but no 401(k)—so how can she keep a tight grip on her hard-earned cash? Fear not...

In this episode, we dive into the brain's role in financial decision-making, with a special focus on individuals with ADHD. We follow the story of Jordan, who grapples with typical financial decisions, such as whether to make an extra mortgage payment or invest in stocks. Experts like E Sonuga-Barke, G Fairchild, and A Stringaris provide insights into the unique challenges faced by those with...

Ever wondered how to keep your holiday spending in check while living with ADHD? If so, this heart-to-heart conversation is for you. We're tackling the challenging dance of handling personal finances during the festive season, particularly for those of us with ADHD. This episode promises to provide you with tools to combat the cycle of impulsive spending and the aftermath of regret that often...

Subscribe to the new and improved newsletter! https://www.adhdmoneytalk.com/ Ready to tackle the chaos of Black Friday shopping with an ADHD twist? Buckle up as we navigate the bustling aisles and virtual carts, unveiling the unique shopping personas you may embody with a sprinkle of ADHD. From the unchecked dopamine chaser, caught up in the frenzy of discounts, to the overwhelmed wanderer, feelin...

Does this sound familiar? Have you been told to simply focus harder or try harder to achieve financial success with your hobbies, only to feel frustrated and overwhelmed? It's time to break free from ineffective actions and the pain of not getting results. Starting an LLC can unlock the power of your ADHD hyperfocus, protect your business, streamline your financial management, boost your conf...

In the world of productivity, there's a hidden trap that many fall into. It's a cycle that gives us a false sense of accomplishment, but leaves us feeling empty and unfulfilled. Just when you think you have it all figured out, there's an unexpected twist in the story. A twist that reveals the true nature of your pseudo-productivity habits and challenges you to confront them head-on....

If you're feeling constantly overwhelmed and defeated by your financial situation, despite your best efforts to manage your money, then you are not alone! Many individuals with ADHD struggle to establish effective financial habits, often facing difficulties with budgeting, impulsivity, and organization. Despite your intentions, you may find that you are consistently overspending, missing bill...

Do you want to break free from the grip of perfectionism and finally take control of your finances? Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed and frustrated by the constant pursuit of flawlessness in your budgeting? I have the solution that will help you develop healthier financial habits and achieve the financial empowerment you desire. By overcoming perfectionism and celebrating small wins in budgeti...

Do you ever feel overwhelmed when managing your business and personal finances? Well, you're not the only one. This ADHD Money Talk episode is specifically designed to provide actionable tips and strategies for those who are self-employed or work as 1099 contractors. We'll guide you through the process of separating your business and personal finances by using business banking accounts....

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to have a personal assistant that transcribes your thoughts, keeping track of the tiniest tasks that your memory can't hold onto? As someone living with ADHD, this isn't just a passing thought for me, but a constant reality. Join me as we navigate the intricate maze of ADHD, IQ, and working memory, and how this intertwining impacts my everyday...

Are you ready to revolutionize your note-taking system? Discover the power of productivity apps specifically tailored for those of us with ADHD. We're taking a deep look at how I obsessively hyper-focused on productivity apps and completely transformed my approach to note-taking. We're exploring everything 'Mem', 'Obsidian', 'Akiflow', 'Asana', and...

Are your summer expenses spiraling out of control? Have no fear, because in this episode, I share my struggles with balancing summer expenses and the unexpected surprises that often come with the season. You'll learn how I'm coping with these financial challenges and stay ready for life's curveballs. I also dive into the importance of developing financial responsibility and budgetin...

In this episode, we dive into the features and benefits of Monarch Money, an incredible budgeting app that has gained popularity over the past three years. David shares his personal experience with the app and highlights why it stands out from other budgeting tools. From effortless budgeting to intuitive design and gamification elements, Monarch Money offers a refreshing approach to managing your...

Listener Louise writes: "I'm very good at saving. I love watching my savings balance grow and have gamified this process in many different ways to make it interesting and exciting. The problem is that impulse spending kicks in with whatever I'm into at that moment, and suddenly all my savings are gone. How I can stop this happening?" This problem is common among ADHDers, but I...

Are you someone with ADHD who's struggling to get a handle on your finances? Well, you're not alone. Many people with ADHD find it challenging to manage their finances, leading to financial stress and anxiety. But fear not! There is a way out of this financial mess, which could start with making sacrifices. The Challenge: Make One BIG Sacrifice I work with so many people who are one sacr...

Listener Rebecca has transformed from being an impulsive spender to now hyper-fixating on saving and investing. In today's episode, we discuss the potential struggles with money vigilance and how being close to the financial world can make personal financial decisions harder. We also explore the decision-making process for buying a car while saving for a house and retirement. We emphasize the...

Money does not have to lead us to this life of dependence and scarcity. We were just taught wrong. We weren't taught how money really works. No class in high school shows us how to become wealthy and financially free. Listen in to hear: We were never taught how money really works The biggest difference between the poor and the wealthy Right mindset but wrong brain Audiobooks to "read&quo...

A listener asked me this question, "What does one do if, after adding up fixed expenses, there is no money leftover and nothing to cut back on?" Listen in as we assess the situation and I help address: Viewing Wants as Needs Food Prices increased 17% Reducing credit card interest rates Consolidating debt Cutting the Cord and Streaming instead Making More What you truly want Of course, I...