Why does traditional money advice make you feel like a failure?
If you live with ADHD you know the feeling. You try to follow the standard rules. You create the spreadsheet. You promise yourself you will track every penny. Then life happens. You forget a bill. You make an impulsive purchase. The shame spiral begins.
What if the problem is not you? What if the system was never built for your brain?
In the latest episode of The Vibe With Ky Podcast I sat down with Brynne Conroy. She is an award-winning finance writer who understands this struggle deeply. We talked about why typical financial advice fails neurodivergent people. We also discussed how you turn perceived weaknesses into financial strengths. This conversation will help you stop fighting your brain and start working with it.
Check out the full interview!
Who is Brynne Conroy?
Brynne Conroy wrote The Feminist Financial Handbook. She used to co-host the Mom Autism Money podcast. Today she helps people build their financial futures using PocketSmith.
Brynne knows what it means to struggle. She shared her story of “digging out of poverty” during the Great Recession. She went from working side hustles to becoming a respected voice in personal finance. Her work focuses on helping people find financial stability without shame.
Connect with PocketSmith:
Why Traditional Advice Fails ADHD Brains
Most financial advice assumes you are neurotypical. It relies on strict rules and consistent habits. It tells you that if you deviate from the path you are “bad with money.”
Brynne explained why this approach causes harm.
“It’s very prescriptive in a very specific way in America that brings a lot of shame and this way is the only way,” Brynne said.
This rigid thinking ignores how ADHD brains work. We struggle with executive function. We deal with time blindness. We experience intense bursts of motivation followed by burnout. When the standard advice fails us we blame ourselves.
Brynne pointed out that “traditional money advice follows a fairly prescriptive set of guidelines” but there are other ways to succeed. You do not need to follow a perfect plan to improve your financial health. You need a system that fits your reality.
Your ADHD Is Not a Financial Death Sentence
You often hear about the “ADHD tax.” You hear about impulsive spending and forgotten bills. You rarely hear about the strengths your brain offers.
Brynne identified four specific traits that help neurodivergent people excel with money.
- Passion: When you care about something you go all in. Use this intensity to fuel your financial goals. If you want to travel let that desire drive your saving habits.
- Hyperfocus: You possess the ability to work on a task for hours when you feel inspired. Use these bursts of energy to set up your budget or research investment options.
- Creativity: You solve problems in unique ways. When you hit a financial roadblock your creative thinking helps you find solutions others miss.
- Spontaneity: Impulsivity gets a bad rap. Reframed as spontaneity it makes life exciting. You do not need to crush this part of yourself. You need to plan for it.
Brynne said that “finding a creative solution to jump it can enable you to get back on track” when you face obstacles. Your brain is an asset. Stop trying to fix it and start using it.
Using Environmental Supports
Willpower is overrated. Relying on your memory leads to mistakes. Instead of forcing yourself to remember every due date use “environmental supports” to do the heavy lifting.
Automation is your friend. Set up automatic bill payments. Schedule transfers to your savings account. Use technology to track your spending so you do not have to do it manually.
Brynne suggested setting up alerts in your budgeting app.
“If I go over this amount for this time period, can you send me a ping to just let me know what’s going on?” Brynne said.
These simple tools protect your “future self”. They create a safety net that catches you when your attention drifts. They allow you to be human without financial disaster.
A Tool That Adapts to You
Finding a budgeting tool that works for ADHD is tough. Most apps force you into a specific method. If that method does not click with your brain you give up.
Brynne introduced me to PocketSmith. What makes it different is customization.
“You can build it around yourself and whatever your own individual goals are, however you think about money,” Brynne said.
PocketSmith connects to your bank accounts and categorizes your transactions automatically. It shows you where your money goes without requiring you to log every coffee purchase manually. It also handles multiple currencies which is great if you travel or work internationally.
The best part is the “what if” scenarios. You see how a decision today impacts your finances next month or next year. This visual feedback helps with time blindness. It makes the future feel real.
Brynne offered a special deal for our community. You get 50% off PocketSmith for the first two months when you use the link below.
Click Here to Get 50% Off PocketSmith
Let Go of the Shame
The most important takeaway from my conversation with Brynne is about self-forgiveness. You are going to make mistakes. You will have setbacks. That does not make you a failure.
Brynne reminded us that financial struggles are often systemic.
“You are doing your best in a mess,” Brynne said. “And the mess is not your fault.”
If you need help ask for it. Apply for assistance programs if you qualify. Use the resources available to you. Do not let pride or shame keep you from stability.
Start small. Celebrate the little wins. Maybe you checked your bank account today without panicking. That is a win. Maybe you set up one automatic payment. That is a win.
“You don’t have to be perfect,” Brynne said. “And you’re way more capable than you think you are.”
Action Step
Take ten minutes today to set up one environmental support.
Log into your bank account. Turn on text or email alerts for low balances or large purchases. This small step gives you awareness without requiring constant monitoring. It puts a system in place that supports your brain.
Conclusion
Money management with ADHD is a journey. It requires patience and self-compassion. You do not need to follow someone else’s rules. You need to find what works for you.
Listen to the full episode to hear more of Brynne’s story and her practical advice. You possess the power to take control of your financial future. You got this.
Disclaimer: I am not a licensed mental health or financial professional. This content is for entertainment and educational purposes only. Please consult a qualified professional for personalized advice.
Much love. Good vibes. – Ky
