Impulsive Spending with ADHD

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Okay, let me start by saying that I am not officially diagnosed with ADHD, buttttttt my brother was diagnosed as a kid, and Greyson (my 9-year-old son, for anyone that doesn't know) has been diagnosed for a few years now. When I went through the diagnosis process with Greyson, I truly felt like I was able to confirm that I had it as well. With it being hereditary, I figured it only makes sense. So, I have basically self-diagnosed myself since I had to go through the entire process for Greyson anyway.

One of the most significant issues I've always had for as long as I can remember is impulsive spending. On things I needed, on things I wanted, on something I thought I MIGHT like, and just on things that I felt like I HAD TO HAVE. Sometimes, I wish we could go back when we didn't have online shopping because I guarantee I wouldn't spend as much money now. But I am also obsessed with the speediness of Amazon and getting things delivered so I don't have to leave the house, which is almost too convenient. Also, those damn Instagram ads are doing their job because I am frequently influenced haha.

I would be afraid to go through my bank statements and find out how much I spend on certain things: clothes, dog stuff, Starbucks coffee, home decor, etc. Although, I'm giving myself a little pat on the back because I haven't been to Starbucks in weeks, which is a huge win considering I was going 3-5x per week... I also made turkey bone broth for the dogs after Thanksgiving, for the first time, because I was secretly spending $30 on a 1L jug of it... whoops lol. So, there's a tip for anyone who wants to save money and supplement your dog's diet.

Also, I definitely don't believe skipping your weekly Starbucks coffee will help you save money because those small gifts to yourself are essential. I see them as self-care sometimes, which can keep you sane. But just like everything, it should all be done in moderation.

Tips For Helping Your Impulse Spending:

*Before I start, let me say that if you're shopping at Winners or Marshalls, buy it, lol... Because waiting 24 hours to see if you want it could mean it's gone.

-When you're out shopping and pick up an item, wait to look at the price. In your head, decide how much you like it by thinking of a price you would be comfortable spending on it.

Ex) I pick up a sweater at Winners, and I go to try it on. I will only look at the tag once I see if I want to buy it. If I LOVE it, I will buy it (within reason). If I am slightly on the fence about buying that sweater, I will say, "If this is under $20, I will get it". If the price is above that, then my decision has been made. No sweater for me. This trick has yet to make me feel like I missed out.

-Unsubscribe to all those online retail emails you signed up for to get that 10-15% discount, lol. Emails are a regular reminder for things you DON'T need.

-Close out your saved carts on your online browsers. You might keep spending money impulsively if you're constantly reminded of what you want but don't need. Also, don't be like me and just buy what's in your cart to close out your browser lol, unless it's something you need or something you have been considering buying for awhile now.

-Try to go just ONE month without spending money on yourself. If that seems too challenging to start with, try to go one month without spending money on a specific category

Ex) home decor, clothes, makeup, eating out (this includes coffee and SkipTheDishes), etc.

-If you can help it, don't memorize your debit or credit card numbers. And if you don't have them memorized, don't save them to your accounts or your phone. It'll be easier to stop yourself from not spending money if you have to go find your card every time you want to buy something.

And as much as I want to preach not to spend money or be impulsive, I'm not your financial adviser or budget planner, so I'll give you a list of some great finds. I'll also be starting to post weekly outfits with links, and Amazon product spotlight posts!

Here is my Amazon storefront link because I order far too many cool, convenient, and valuable things to keep them all to myself.

Amazon Storefront

-Taylor Dubois