ADHD Money Talk

We explore how childhood experiences shape our adult relationship with money, especially for those with ADHD who receive an estimated 20,000 more negative messages than praise by age 10. • Children with ADHD often develop shame-based beliefs from chronic criticism • These negative messages literally rewire the developing brain • The prefrontal cortex (responsible for decision-making) is affected by both ADHD and chronic stress • Financial struggles in adulthood often stem from childhood sham...

Ever wondered why “pay in four” buttons feel irresistible? They’re designed to exploit ADHD brain wiring—leveraging executive function deficits, dopamine manipulation, working memory overload, and future blindness. Services like Klarna, Afterpay, and Affirm thrive on “phantom debt,” with the average person juggling 9+ payment plans and paying hefty merchant fees and penalties. Millennials and Gen Z—especially those with lower credit scores—are prime targets. I share three harm-reduction strat...

David DeWitt shares his personal journey from financial disaster to freedom, revealing how understanding the connection between ADHD, shame, and money behaviors transformed his relationship with finances. • Breaking free from the shame cycle that drives ADHD financial behaviors • Understanding how self-beliefs sabotage financial progress despite good intentions • Learning that willpower and discipline aren't effective solutions for ADHD money management • Recognizing how 20,000 more negative...

On this episode, I'm sharing a transformative system that has eliminated my impulse spending by using something called a "token economy" with gold stars that can be redeemed for desired purchases. This approach bridges the dopamine gap for ADHDers like you and me by providing immediate, tangible rewards for positive financial behaviors. • Token economies provide external rewards that help ADHD brains connect daily actions to long-term outcomes • The system creates your own "currency" e...

ADHD Money Talk is back! Dave is joined by a new (and possibly recurring?!) guest, Max Moclock. Max graduated from Penn State with a degree in Finance. After 10 years in corporate America, Max started a career pivot to becoming a brand strategist. He received an ADHD diagnosis in 2012 and is passionate about creating space for others to feel confident and empowered, regardless of their diagnosis. This episode introduces a new perspective on setting New Year’s resolutions through the ...