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The Power of Financial Habits For ADHD: How Wealthy Individuals Build Prosperity

David DeWitt, CFP® : Aug 17, 2023 9:00:00 AM

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When we think about wealthy people, it's easy to assume that their fortunes stem from family inheritances, lucky breaks, or some extraordinary circumstance that sets them apart. However, the reality is often quite different. Most wealthy people have attained their riches not solely due to their financial windfalls, but primarily because of their impeccable financial habits.

This is especially true for those of us who have ADHD. Your financial situation will fall apart without consistency. Since we cannot rely on self-discipline when we have ADHD, our success depends on automated financially-healthy activities. Today we delve into the key reasons why most wealthy people are rich due to their good financial habits rather than simply being handed money.

Disciplined Saving & Investing

One of the cornerstone habits of wealthy individuals is their disciplined approach to saving and investing. They understand the importance of consistently setting aside a portion of their income and investing it wisely to grow their wealth over time. By consistently doing this, they allow their money to work for them, compounding returns and gradually accumulating wealth.

Long-Term Vision & Goal Setting

Wealthy individuals are known for their ability to set clear financial goals and work towards them with a long-term perspective. They don't succumb to instant gratification; instead, they make strategic financial decisions that align with their objectives. This habit ensures that their financial choices are purposeful and contribute to their long-term prosperity.

Financial Literacy

Financially successful individuals have a thirst for knowledge and are committed to expanding their financial literacy. They invest time in learning about various investment opportunities, tax strategies, and personal finance concepts. This dedication to continuous learning empowers them to make informed decisions and seize advantageous opportunities.

Mindful Spending & Budgeting

Contrary to popular belief, many wealthy individuals are frugal in their spending habits. They maintain a clear understanding of their financial inflows and outflows by creating and sticking to a budget. By monitoring their expenses, they can identify areas where they can cut unnecessary costs and redirect those funds toward wealth-building endeavors.

Entrepreneurial Spirit & Work Ethic

A significant number of wealthy individuals are self-made entrepreneurs who have built their fortunes from the ground up. Their relentless work ethic, determination, and willingness to take calculated risks set them apart. These individuals are not afraid to work hard and make sacrifices in the short term to achieve long-term financial success.

Networking & Relationship Building

Wealthy individuals understand the value of cultivating relationships within their industries and beyond. Networking provides them with access to valuable opportunities, insights, and collaborations that can significantly impact their financial trajectory. By nurturing these connections, they open doors to new ventures and partnerships that contribute to their wealth accumulation. It often is who you know, but let that work for you rather than against you!

Resilience & Adaptability

Financially successful individuals are not immune to setbacks and challenges. However, their resilience and ability to adapt in the face of adversity enable them to recover and continue progressing toward their financial goals. They view obstacles as learning experiences and use them to refine their strategies and approaches.

But wait a minute... You have ADHD and all this sounds lovely but highly unattainable!? We have so many tips for wealth management if you struggle with executive dysfunction, procrastination, brain fog, or direction and motivation. Read on for more tips specific to those with neurodiversity. Together we've got this!

Managing finances successfully with ADHD is entirely achievable with the right strategies and mindset. Wealthy individuals with ADHD have demonstrated that it's possible to thrive financially by leveraging technology, simplifying, seeking professional guidance, using visual aids, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and maintaining flexibility.

Leveraging Technology

Modern technology has revolutionized how we manage our finances, and individuals with ADHD can benefit greatly from these advancements. Wealthy individuals with ADHD often use financial apps, online tools, and automation to stay on top of their financial responsibilities.

Set up automatic bill payments to avoid late fees and missed payments
Utilize budgeting apps to track their spending and set financial goals
Rely on investment platforms to automate contributions to their investment portfolios

Simplify & Focus

One key trait of individuals with ADHD is the ability to hyper-focus on tasks of interest. Successful individuals with ADHD channel this trait into simplifying their financial lives.

Consolidate bank accounts and investment holdings to reduce complexity
Limit investment options to a manageable number, avoiding the inevitable overwhelm
Create a clear and straightforward budget, focusing on essential categories

Sound like a lot of work? Overwhelmed? Never fear, we can sort all this out with you! Book a discovery call here.

Work with Financial Professionals

Wealthy individuals understand the value of seeking expert guidance. When managing their finances, they collaborate with financial planners, accountants, and advisors who can provide structure and support. They are certainly not a one-person show! They have entire teams for things like this. We'd love to join yours!

Delegate tasks that are challenging, such as tax planning and investment research
Schedule regular meetings with financial professionals to stay accountable and receive guidance

Visual Aids & Reminders

These are powerful tools for individuals with ADHD to stay organized and on track with their finances.

Use color-coded systems for different financial categories, making it easier to categorize expenses and track progress
Set up calendar reminders for bill payments, investment reviews, and other financial tasks

Break Tasks Into Smaller Steps

ADHD individuals can become overwhelmed by large tasks. Wealthy individuals with ADHD break down financial tasks into smaller, manageable steps.

They divide long-term financial goals into short-term milestones, celebrating achievements along the way
They tackle one financial task at a time, avoiding multitasking to maintain focus

Regular Reviews or Adjustments

Flexibility is a key element of successful financial management for those with ADHD.

Review financial plans and budgets regularly, adjusting as needed to accommodate changing circumstances
Stay open to trying new strategies and systems if the current approach isn't working effectively

If you're someone with ADHD, remember that your unique traits can be harnessed to your advantage. By adopting these strategies and building a supportive network of financial professionals, you can take control of your finances, work towards your goals, and ultimately achieve financial success.

While it's tempting to attribute wealth solely to fortunate circumstances, the truth is that most wealthy individuals have built their fortunes through a combination of diligence, discipline, and strategic financial habits. By embracing disciplined saving, investing, goal setting, continuous learning, mindful spending, entrepreneurial endeavors, networking, and resilience, they pave the way for long-term financial prosperity.

Whether you're starting on your financial journey or looking to enhance your existing habits, adopting these principles can set you on the path toward achieving your own financial goals. Remember, becoming wealthy is not about luck; it's about cultivating the right financial habits and mindset.