ADHD Brain vs Credit Card Debt:  Your Post-Holiday Recovery Plan

Harold Robert Meyer and The ADD Resource Center                             01/02/2025 

So the holidays are over, and you’re staring at your credit card statements with that all-too-familiar knot in your stomach. With ADHD, managing finances can feel like trying to juggle while riding a unicycle – backwards. Trust me, you’re not alone in this struggle.

Your ADHD brain might be telling you to avoid those statements altogether, or maybe you’ve already opened and closed them five times without really processing the numbers. That’s okay – it’s a natural response when your executive function isn’t playing nice with financial planning. But you’re going to tackle this, and here’s how. 

First, Let’s Face Those Numbers 

You need to know exactly what you’re dealing with, even though your brain is screaming “boring!” at the mere thought of spreadsheets. Pick a time when your medication is working well, if you take it, and gather all your statements. Don’t try to memorize the numbers – your working memory doesn’t need that extra stress. Write them down or use a debt tracking app that appeals to your visual processing style. 

Make It Interesting (Because Your Brain Demands It) 

Your ADHD brain needs novelty and engagement, so turn this into something that actually captures your attention. Create a colorful debt payoff chart, use a gamified debt payment app, or set up a reward system for yourself. Think of it as turning your debt repayment into a video game where each payment levels you up. 

Break It Down (No, Even Smaller Than That) 

With ADHD, big tasks can feel overwhelming to the point of paralysis. So let’s chunk this down into ridiculously manageable bits: 

1. Today: Just list your debts and interest rates 

2. Tomorrow: Pick one debt-tracking method 

3. Next day: Set up one automatic payment 

See how each step is specific and doable. Your ADHD brain appreciates clear, concrete actions over vague goals like “get better with money.” 

Set Up Systems (Because Memory Is Unreliable) 

You know you can’t rely on remembering payment dates – your ADHD brain has other plans. So let’s work with it instead of against it: 

– Set up automatic payments for the minimum due (at least) 

– Use calendar alerts with annoying sounds you can’t ignore 

– Link your checking account to your credit cards for instant payments when you remember 

– Keep your cards out of your digital wallets to avoid impulsive purchases 

The ADHD Tax Is Real (But You Can Fight Back) 

Late fees, impulse purchases, forgotten subscriptions – these are all part of what’s often called the “ADHD tax.” But now that you know about it, you can outsmart it: 

– Set a “no same-day purchases” rule for items over $50 

– Keep a wishlist for things you want and review it after 24 hours 

– Use subscription tracking apps to catch those sneaky recurring charges 

– Set up text alerts for every single purchase to stay aware of your spending 

Finding Your Focus Tools 

Your ADHD brain might need external structure to stay on track with debt repayment. Try: 

– Body doubling: Schedule regular money check-ins with a friend 

– Time-blocking: Set specific 15-minute windows for money management 

– Visual reminders: Keep your debt payoff chart where you’ll actually see it 

– Accountability apps that make noise until you complete your financial tasks 

When Hyperfocus Hits (Use It Wisely) 

Sometimes your ADHD brings the gift of hyperfocus. When you find yourself in a money-management groove: 

– Create templates for future use 

– Set up all your automatic payments 

– Make a debt payoff plan 

– Research better interest rates 

But remember – don’t make major financial decisions in hyperfocus without sleeping on them first. 

Give Yourself Grace (But Not Excuses) 

You’re dealing with debt while managing a brain that sometimes works against your financial goals. That’s tough. You’ll have setbacks, and that’s part of the process. The key is to get back on track without shame spiraling: 

– Missed a payment? Set it up now and move forward 

– Made an impulse purchase? Return it if you can, learn from it if you can’t 

– Lost track of your plan? Start fresh today 

Remember, you’re not “bad with money” – you’re managing money with a different operating system. Your ADHD brain needs different strategies, and that’s perfectly okay. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s progress. You’ve got this, one small, ADHD-friendly step at a time. 

01/02/2025 

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Harold Robert Meyer ADD Resource Center, Inc. 646/205.8080 HaroldMeyer@addrc.org 215 West 75th Street, 8th Floor New York, NY 10023-1799 USA