Can’t save due to ADD

[TheSnugHare]

I am autistic. I also possibly have ADD. I don’t think I have ADHD. I have spent my life making impulsive decisions and virtually every month is Christmas. I often regret the financial decisions I make. My mind convinces me I need something or should buy something, right now! I often have urges to shop, usually around the time of my period. I am ashamed.
I never continue any hobbies I start. I never finish projects. I get all these ideas and just can’t follow them through for one reason or another. I have so many jumbled notebooks. I have read about the dopamine rush thing. If I don’t spend money I start over indulging on snacks. Budgets never work because of it. I should be able to put some money away but I never ever can. I have tried putting money into accounts for different things but I dip into other accounts because I get thoughts that I really need things and I can’t stop thinking about them until I buy them. All of any money I do manage to not spend one month will get spent the next. I don’t have much if any self control at all. Can I ask to be assessed on the NHS? Is there anything I can do to stop spending all the money in my account every month?

This has some tips about preventing impulse spending.

podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-adhd-adults-podcast/id1591127163?i=1000548789768

You can save. You just need to make it very difficult to get the money back out. I think that you should contribute as much as you can to your pension or into notice accounts.

This is something I struggle with I have made a rule that I can fill online shopping baskets but I can't buy it unless it's been in their a week. The amount of stuff iv deleted out of my amazon basket because I don't actually want or need it or have any interest in it a week later.

Yes you can get an ADHD assessment on the NHS but waiting lists are long in many areas. It's worth speaking to your GP and asking to go on the waiting list anyway, ask about Right to Choose if it's really long.

In terms of curbing impulse spending my best solution to this was to have two separate bank accounts, one where I had all my bills coming out on direct debit and I'd have my wages, benefits etc paid in here. I worked out how much I needed to cover all the bills and then had a standing order out to the other account which was my spending money. DO NOT have an overdraft on this account, and find one which will decline the transaction if it will put you into overdraft. If you find monthly is too hard to stick to, you can do the standing order weekly.

If you want to be REALLY strict, get someone you trust (friend or family member) to set up the security on the online banking for the bills account so you can't access it without them doing it for you.

Honestly, I did run up loads of overdraft fees and never managed to save until DH was earning more money - my own earning power has been pitiful with ADHD. Some of that is being a SAHM for ages but some of it is stuff like having dropped out of various qualifications and not really had enough practical experience either. And I have found YNAB helpful. But mostly just having more money to play with has been the thing.

That's does sound like an ADHD trait. If you don't think you have hyperactive ADHD, then the correct term to use is inattentive ADHD- there is no such thing as ADD anymore. You are more likely to have it if you are autistic as they often go hand in hand. Absolutely please do and see someone and it could be there are other traits causing you issues also. Diagnosis is the first stage and then medication may help with impulsive behaviour. But there is support available so please do go to your GP. You can ask about the "right to choose pathway"which may speed up the process.

ok I didn’t realise. I just don’t see myself as the hyperactive types of kids who got diagnosed as having adhd in school.i will ask the GP

I have a zopa savings account that let's me lock away savings for months. Maybe something like that?

Hyperactivity in women presents very differently and is usually internal, ie mind racing constantly like 15 radio stations on full blast simultaneously

I have inattentive ADHD and impulse spending is definitely one of my things. I've opened a savings account and transfer £100 of my salary each month. I watch it grow obsessively, I keep checking it. I do often have to transfer some back when I overspend but at the moment it has £800 in it in a year! I want to reach £1000 by the end of the year. Having a goal definitely helps me.