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This is Neuro Diverse Diary! The weekly Newsletter for professionals with Neuro Differences. It’s that time for another insight into our different world!

CONTEXT

“Financial Freedom”

I decided from a young age that I wanted to work in Finance. Over the years, my relationship with money has been a rollercoaster. On one end I can be a lavish spender, keeping zero tabs on the contactless card.

On the other end I can hoard money like my life depends on it! I'm still ‘sitting on money’ I earned from an internship I did 15 years ago! I'm 'crazy' like that.

With money, I can have a 'one night stand' or 'promise to stay with it forever'.

My first hard lesson was when I landed my first finance role after university. I got paid over the Christmas break, bought presents for my loved ones, and went ‘skint’.

The next pay was the following month Jan new year. Fortunately, I was living at home and only needed to spend money on my travel and lunch which I managed to have with the cusp of my teeth.

That was my first hard lesson. Ever since then, I've vowed to be a better money manager.

That decision served me well, not only is it a well-paying career, but I can also learn a thing or two to help me manage money when I one day attain it.

All of the personal finance 'gurus' weren't around growing up, or at least I wasn't aware of them in the UK. Moreover, they're likely to be neurotypical, so I may not have reasoned with everything they suggested.

I studied finance my whole school life, academically and leisurely (personal finance), and I've read a lot of books on it.

I vowed to be the "money man" one day. Still not there yet, but I've learned a lot over the years especially being a neurodivergent. I feel I learned the hard way, nevertheless still valuable.

DEEP DIVE

In today's post, we'll discuss the Neurodivergent money management manual

1) Accountability

I was fortunate to grow up with friends from similar economic backgrounds with a burning desire to grow wealth.

One of the things I benefitted from that circle was pushing each other, and checking in on each other to ensure we're meeting our financial objectives. Be it buying assets, saving for a rainy day, etc.

I don't like being labeled an 'empty barrel' or just a 'talker'. So when I decide to do something, I'll commit to it and let close people hold me accountable along the way.

I won’t advise you who to make your accountability partner. But for starters, I'd go with someone:

• You trust

• Know well

• Respect

2) Start Small

The journey of 1000 miles begins with one step.

In the book Richest Man in Babylon, a favourite chapter of mine was under the "Pay yourself first". Each time you receive your salary save 10% of it.

Initially, it feels like peanuts but as time goes by you start to see that your funds are gradually increasing.

It taught me discipline and patience which I think are super important for someone with ADHD. We'll continue with the next point.

3) Control the desire

Impulse control is probably the neurodivergents' number one enemy when it comes to managing finances. The thorns to our plants.

Spending money on things we don't need to impress people who don’t care about us. When I started earning money everything seemed alluring to me.

Some days I would resist the temptation to spend, some days I'd lose to the temptation.

Questions to ask yourself:

• Will this item I'm keen on buying add value to me?

• Do I need or want this?

• What are my other options?

I have a 24-hour wait rule for pricier alluring items (£100). That amount of time allows me to reflect on whether I really need a given item.

I know it can be tough, but looking at the bigger picture of my family's financial freedom, it helps me stay in check and put my emotions aside.

4) Stay Learning

Some personal finance 'gurus', might give you suggestions in regards to what works for them. This may not work for you, but it doesn't mean you should shut down or give up.

Other strategies and approaches might be appropriate for you. It might just require you to do trial and error. Bear in mind these 'gurus' may be neurotypical individuals hence their approaches may not work for you.

I'm always on the hunt for evolving and identifying ways to manage money in a way that suits the way my brain is wired.

RECAP

1. Managing personal finance as a neurodivergent can be difficult, but it's possible

2. There's no one approach fits all, scout what's out there and choose what works for you

3. Getting the fundamentals like managing oneself is vital

MEME OF THE WEEK

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