Having savings is one of the best things that you can do for your family, your future, and of course, yourself. Being financially prepared can help you in times of emergency, going toward a down payment, or your new house. It gives you real peace of mind.
Savings management is an important skill. Hence, everyone must know how to handle their money even at a young age. However, this can be quite a challenge when you have a neurodevelopmental disorder, such as ADHD.
ADHD And Drug Treatments
If you have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, commonly known as ADHD, it may seem overwhelming to have everything organized, such as paying the bills, keeping up with work, maintaining family relationships, and other social demands.
Luckily, some things can help you manage your symptoms of ADHD. You can start with improving your everyday routine, recognizing your strengths and use it, developing new techniques to work more efficiently while maintaining organization, and creating better interaction with others. However, medication is another way to help you manage it.
Medication is an essential part of treating ADHD. Doctors choose from many types of drugs to make the symptoms of the disorder more manageable. You and your doctor can work together to get the right medication along with the ideal amount of dose and how often you should take it.
The most widely used treatment for ADHD include:
Stimulants
Stimulants are a group of drugs that are prescribed to help gain more focus and ignore distractions. There are 70% to 80% of people who find stimulants effective. Stimulants increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine between the brain’s synapses. It lessens hyperactivity, distractibility, and impulsivity.
One example of stimulants for ADHD is Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate). However, this medicine’s price isn’t cheap, and a 30-day supply usually costs up to $270. But with the help of a Vyvanse discount, many consumers were able to afford the drug and keep up with their medications.
Non-stimulants
Non-stimulants are an alternative option when stimulants do not work or have been discontinued due to unpleasant side effects. Approximately 20-30% of people with ADHD find that stimulants do not work on them, so they switch to FDA-approved non-stimulants.
One of the most common non-stimulant treatments for ADHD since 2002 is atomoxetine, or widely known by its brand name, Strattera. You’ll know this medication is working when there is an evident result of sustained focus, improved mood, enhanced attention to detail, improved memory, better sleep, and lessened impulsivity.
Antidepressants
Usually, people that are diagnosed with ADHD have other mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and a combination of others. They take an antidepressant to control their mental conditions along with other stimulants for ADHD.
How ADHD Affects People In Money Decisions
A study has been made that people with ADHD are more likely to have impulsive buying behavior, make late payments, overdrawn bank accounts, and often change occupations.
Hence, some practical solutions were developed to mitigate spending. Even if you don’t have ADHD, some tips can be helpful. After all, not only people with ADHD make impulsive purchases or miss bill payments.
Handle Your Finances
For adults with ADHD, financial matters may be more difficult to manage. Other issues they find hard to keep track of include:
- Update of bank balances or expenses;
- Keeping track of bills, important tax papers, and paying on time;
- Keeping track of credit card balances;
- Procrastinating on bills or file organizing;
- Saving for the future wants and needs
Develop A Spending Budget
A spending plan or budget can help you set your finances for your monthly or yearly expenses. Most utilities like phone, gas, water, electricity, and loan installments are paid monthly and should be drafted on a monthly spending plan.
As you get started, find what works for you. For instance, make a master list of all your expected expenses. You may also use money management applications or programs to gather the information necessary for budget planning.
Being Patient And Positive
Dealing with finances while having ADHD can be extremely difficult, but can be done with the right mindset. And although these changes won’t happen overnight, these ADHD self-help tips require patience and practice, and most importantly, a positive attitude.
By adopting these techniques, a person with ADHD can be more productive, organized, and control their lives while improving their financial skills.
Takeaway
ADHD may create serious problems in all aspects of one’s life, especially finances. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t live normally. With resources that can help you cope with symptoms, you’ll have a balanced spending behavior and good financial management skills. Hence, it is best to break down financial goals into small steps that you can adapt on a daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly basis. Keep in mind that successful money management means paying attention to all of your goals, even when it seems difficult with ADHD.
*collaborative post