Managing Your Financial Life When You Have ADD

Recently, I posted a question on a financial message board, asking if anyone had ADD and if it had affected their financial life. The responses were overwhelming. Turns out I'd really struck a chord and many people wrote of lifelong struggles with ADD and trying to manage their financial lives. "Traditional" systems for balancing their checkbook, budgeting and keeping track of their money simply didn't work. Their homes were often full of bills and paper.

The main problem? No one really found a system that took into account some of the challenges of having ADD: distractability, trouble focusing on something for a long time, getting everything done effectively, etc. Many had learned "self-coping" tricks and tips. After networking with others as well as trial and error, I've found some techniques for helping those with ADD stay on top of finances with a minimum of time and effort. I'd also like to point out that I've used some of these methods myself, having three people in our family with ADD. You may have to pick and choose those that work for you. Also, as many readers wtih ADD may know, thinking "outside the box" for solutions is often the best choice.

Most of these ideas comes from actual people with ADD as well as some special services that work well for them. Since plenty of non ADD people have trouble with money, too, feel free to pass this article along to them. Also, some people don't even know they have ADD so read the following symptoms first and see if you recognize yourself or someone you know. If so, you might consider consulting with a doctor for possible tests and discussion:

SYMPTOMS OF ADD THAT MAY AFFECT FINANCIAL STABILITY INCLUDE:
1. Trouble with Planning and Organization

2. Frequent job changes, job boredom and trouble holding jobs (depending on the level of routine and ability to move around and maintain interest in the job). Unless these job changes include promotions, there could be problems with finances. A minimum level of job stability is usually a positive.

3. Financial problems in and of themselves are often a symptom of ADD when combined with other factors.