26 | Managing Money as a Mom with ADHD: Budgeting Tips, Triggers, and Tools to Stay on Track
Money management is a challenge for most people, but as an ADHD mom, the mental load of keeping up with finances can feel downright exhausting. Impulse spending, decision fatigue, and forgetfulness often create roadblocks to budgeting, saving, and long-term planning.
But here’s the thing—managing money doesn’t have to feel impossible. With the right tools, systems, and mindset shifts, you can take control of your finances in a way that works with your ADHD brain instead of against it.
The Budgeting Tip That Changed Everything
Back in 2013, my sister introduced me to You Need a Budget (YNAB) while she was managing her own young family’s finances. My first reaction? Doesn’t budgeting feel restrictive?
Her response changed my perspective:
"No—I actually have more freedom because I know exactly where my money is going. I don’t feel guilty spending on things I want because I know my needs are covered."
That conversation was a lightbulb moment. Budgeting wasn’t about restriction—it was about giving myself permission to spend with confidence instead of living in a cycle of fear and regret.
Why ADHD Makes Managing Money So Hard
ADHD presents a unique set of challenges when it comes to financial management. It’s not just about numbers—it’s about executive function, emotions, and impulse control. Here’s why money can feel overwhelming for ADHD moms:
Impulsivity – Buying things on a whim (hello, Target runs!) and struggling to say no to emotional spending.
Difficulty with Long-Term Planning – Prioritizing immediate wants over future needs.
Task Paralysis – Avoiding budgeting, paying bills, or checking account balances because it feels overwhelming.
Then there’s the ADHD tax—the extra money we spend because of forgetfulness and last-minute decisions, like late fees, unused subscriptions, and impulse buys that we later regret.
The Emotional Side of Money
Money isn’t just about math—it’s deeply tied to emotions like guilt, shame, and fear. As an ADHD mom managing household finances, farm expenses, and multiple businesses, I’ve felt firsthand the weight of these emotions:
Guilt – Overbuying or making impulse purchases that weren’t needed.
Fear – That I’d forget a bill or mismanage something important.
Shame – When my finances felt chaotic and out of control.
But even with these challenges, there are ways to simplify money management and reduce the mental load.
How to Manage Money With ADHD: Practical Strategies
1. Recognizing ADHD Money Triggers
ADHD brains crave dopamine and novelty, which can lead to emotional spending. Ask yourself:
Do I shop when I’m bored, stressed, or overstimulated?
Am I buying things to "fix" something in my life (mom guilt, disorganization, etc.)?
Am I falling for targeted social media ads?
Common ADHD spending traps include:
Buying bins and planners in an effort to feel more organized.
Subscriptions that go unused but continue to charge.
Overbuying groceries because meal planning feels overwhelming.
By recognizing these patterns, you can take steps to pause and make more intentional financial choices.
2. Automate Everything
Reduce the risk of forgetting bills by automating :
Recurring expenses (utilities, mortgage, insurance)
Savings contributions
Debt payments
The fewer decisions you have to make, the better!
3. Use Visual Aids
ADHD brains thrive on visual reminders. So you can try:
A budgeting app’s widget on your phone for easy access
Savings trackers that show progress
I’m in the messy middle of this, but I’m working on making my phone screen a visual reminder of my financial goals every time I pick it up.
4. Short-Term Budgeting vs. Monthly Budgets
Sticking to a 30-day budget is hard when you struggle with time blindness.
I never felt more seen than when Carly from The Debt Free Mom said, "Sticking to a budget for 30 days is hard." It is!
Instead, try:
Separating expenses by category for better visibility
Breaking goals into smaller, manageable steps
Weekly or biweekly budgeting (Check out The Debt Free Mom to learn how to align your budget with your paychecks)
5. Separate Your Money Into Multiple Accounts
Having separate accounts for different purposes has been super helpful:
A dedicated bill-pay account for all fixed expenses
A discretionary spending account for daily purchases
A budgeting app-linked account for seamless tracking
This has been helping me keep everything organized by being able to quickly see where we are at throughout the month.
6. Make Budgeting More Fun
Money management doesn’t have to be stressful! Some ways to stay engaged:
No-Spend Challenges – Try a "no spend" day, week, or even month!
Consignment & Reselling – Turn decluttering into extra cash.
Gamify It – Set up a reward system for yourself when you reach savings goals.
7. Tackling ADHD Impulsivity with Spending
If impulse purchases are a struggle, try these tricks:
Create a Wishlist Rule – Wait 24 hours before buying anything non-essential.
Unsubscribe from Marketing Emails – Reduce temptation in your inbox.
8. Find an Accountability Partner
Money is easier to manage when you have support. Whether it’s a spouse, friend, or financial coach, accountability can keep you motivated.
Some of my favorite budgeting resources:
Final Thoughts: How I Learned to Manage Impulse Spending
I’ve come a long way in managing my finances, but I’m still learning. One of the biggest mindset shifts for me was decluttering my home.
Seeing how much money I had wasted on things I later got rid of changed everything. Now, I don’t feel the urge to impulse shop at Hobby Lobby unless it’s for something I truly need.
Just like decluttering your home, decluttering your finances is just as important. If you want to reduce clutter-related spending, my Decide Guide can help you ask yourself questions while decluttering and by identifying what’s important in your home, you’ll be able to make better choices before buying something you’ll later regret.
Managing money with ADHD is possible—it just takes the right systems, self-awareness, and a little grace.
