Managing Bills with ADHD: Tips for Success

Managing bills can be a stressful and overwhelming task for anyone, but it can be even more challenging for individuals with ADHD. With difficulty focusing, organising, and remembering tasks, staying on top of bills can feel like an impossible feat.

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects individuals' ability to focus, organise, and prioritise tasks. This can make it difficult for those with ADHD to stay on top of bills and financial responsibilities, leading to missed payments, late fees, and financial stress.

If you or a loved one with ADHD struggle with managing bills, there are strategies and tips that can help make the process more manageable. By implementing specific techniques and routines, individuals with ADHD can improve their bill-paying habits and reduce financial stress. In this article, we will explore some helpful tips for successfully managing bills with ADHD.

Set Recurring Calendar Reminders

Using your preferred calendar app (like Apple iCal or Google Calendar), create a dedicated calendar just for bills. Colour-coding the calendar, such as using red for urgency, can be particularly effective.

• List all your bills and their due dates.
• Enter each bill and due date as a calendar event.
• Set events to repeat monthly to save time.
• Add reminders a week and two days before each due date, or whatever works best for you.

Pay Your Bills with Auto-Pay

Many credit card and utility companies offer Auto Pay, which automatically pays recurring bills.

Pro: Once set up, there is no need to worry about on-time payments.

Con: There is a risk of overdrawing the account if funds are insufficient when the auto payments occur.

For those with regular income, this is an excellent option.

Set Multiple Reminders

To ensure important tasks like bill-paying are not forgotten, set reminders in multiple places. Besides your phone calendar, sign up for monthly reminder emails from your credit cards.

Pay All Your Bills at Once

To alleviate financial anxiety, handle all your bills in one sitting. This approach offers a sense of relief, knowing you don’t need to worry about bills for the rest of the month.

Try this: Choose a date and time when:

• There is enough money in your account.
• You have time to sit down uninterrupted.
• You have privacy to focus.

Track Your Bills with a Spreadsheet

A simple spreadsheet can track bills effectively. The first column lists bill names (e.g., Chase credit card, electric bill) in chronological order of their due date. The second column contains due dates, followed by 12 columns for each month.

When a bill is paid, mark it with an “X.” This system provides a quick visual of outstanding bills and the satisfaction of marking them as paid.

Ask for help

If you share bills with a partner, consider asking them to handle certain payments. Divide household chores based on strengths. Many people with ADHD struggle with motivation and forgetfulness, so delegating bill payment can be practical.

If having someone else pay the bills is an option, there is no shame in delegating that task. Just ensure your partner is comfortable with the arrangement and that you contribute equally to other tasks.

Final Thoughts

People with ADHD often face unique challenges, but with the right tools and strategies, these challenges can be effectively managed. Accepting these challenges and finding practical solutions is a significant step toward mastering them.

Celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Society may not be designed for ADHD brains, but with determination and the right approach, managing responsibilities becomes achievable. Supposedly “easy” tasks can be overwhelming for people with ADHD, but leveraging technology and asking for help when needed can make a huge difference.

You are not alone in this struggle—many tools and resources are available to help manage responsibilities. Implement your preferred systems, seek assistance if necessary, and enjoy the confidence of knowing your bills will always be paid on time.

By following these strategies and utilising available tools, it’s entirely possible to manage bills effectively despite the challenges posed by ADHD. It's about discovering what works best for you and staying consistent with those methods.