Managing finances can be especially tricky for UK business owners with ADHD, as neurodiverse individuals often face unique challenges. However, by adopting straightforward and effective strategies, you can take control of your business finances with greater ease.

Here are five practical approaches to help ADHD entrepreneurs stay on top of their financial management, from Nordens Chartered Accountants and Mindset BPS:

1. Leverage Digital Tools

Traditional bookkeeping can feel tedious and be easy to neglect for those with ADHD. However, the right technology can simplify financial management and make it more engaging.

• Use Cloud-Based Accounting Software: Platforms such as QuickBooks, Xero, or FreeAgent automate invoicing, track expenses, and manage payroll, cutting down on manual input. Many also offer mobile apps, so you can update your accounts from anywhere.

• Try Expense Tracking Apps: Tools like Expensify or Dext (formerly Receipt Bank) allow you to snap a photo of receipts and categorise expenses instantly. This ensures nothing gets misplaced and avoids a last-minute rush to organise transactions.

• Automate Payment Reminders: Late payments can affect cashflow, but software that sends automatic invoice reminders can help ensure you receive payments on time without the hassle of chasing clients.

By embracing technology, you can establish systems that align with how your brain works, making financial tasks more manageable.

2. Develop Structured Habits

Structure and routine can be beneficial for ADHD brains, yet financial tasks can become overwhelming if not managed consistently. Establishing set routines makes the process smoother and more predictable.

• Daily Check-Ins: Spend 5–10 minutes each day reviewing your accounts for new payments, unexpected charges, or urgent tasks. Keeping track regularly prevents unwanted financial surprises.
• Weekly Reviews: Designate a specific time each week (e.g., Friday mornings) to categorise transactions, reconcile accounts, and review invoices. Setting a recurring reminder can reinforce this habit.
• Monthly Planning: At the beginning of each month, assess your budget, set financial goals, and review upcoming expenses. Adjust your financial plans accordingly if any unexpected costs arise.

These structured routines help ensure that financial management remains manageable rather than becoming an overwhelming burden.

3. Delegate Financial Tasks

You don’t need to handle every aspect of financial management yourself. If bookkeeping, tax filing, or financial planning feels stressful, outsourcing these tasks can free up your time for what you do best.

• Hire a Bookkeeper: If numbers aren’t your strong suit, a bookkeeper can manage daily financial tracking, ensuring invoices are processed correctly and expenses are logged properly.
• Consult an Accountant: A skilled accountant can help with tax efficiency, compliance deadlines, and financial planning, making life easier if you struggle with deadlines or complex financial regulations.
• Use a Virtual Assistant (VA): A VA can manage invoices, send reminders for due payments, and liaise with your accountant, providing support without requiring a full-time hire.

Outsourcing financial responsibilities lets you focus on growing your business while ensuring your accounts are in order.

4. Utilise Visual Aids

Many individuals with ADHD process information more effectively through visual representations rather than text-heavy spreadsheets. Making financial data visually engaging can improve comprehension and decision-making.

• Use Financial Dashboards: Platforms like Xero and QuickBooks display cash flow, outstanding invoices, and expenses in an easy-to-digest visual format.
• Colour-Code Your Budget: Assign different colours to financial categories (e.g., red for urgent expenses, green for savings) to quickly gauge spending habits at a glance.
• Create a Cash Flow Calendar: Mapping expected income and expenses on a physical or digital calendar can aid planning and prevent unexpected shortfalls.

By integrating visual tools, you can make financial management more intuitive and less overwhelming.

5. Automate Where Possible

Remembering to pay bills or set aside money for taxes can be difficult when you’re juggling multiple tasks. Automation reduces mental load and ensures consistency without requiring constant reminders.

• Set Up Direct Debits: Automate regular payments for rent, utilities, and subscriptions to avoid late fees and missed payments.
• Schedule Savings Transfers: Arrange for a percentage of earnings to be automatically moved into savings, tax reserves, or investment accounts, reducing the temptation to spend it all.
• Use Subscription Management Tools: Services like Truebill or ScribeUp help monitor and cancel unnecessary subscriptions, preventing wasteful expenditure.

Automation streamlines financial processes and keeps your money organised, even when your focus is elsewhere.

ADHD and Business Finances – A Manageable Combination!

Running a business while managing ADHD comes with its own set of challenges, but with the right systems in place, financial management doesn’t have to be a struggle. By using technology, building structured habits, outsourcing when necessary, incorporating visual tools, and automating key processes, you can develop an approach that works for you.

If you’re a neurodivergent business owner looking for tailored financial support or coaching that understands your needs, our partnership with Nordens Chartered Accountants is here to help.

Together, we’re committed to creating accessible pathways for neurodivergent entrepreneurs to succeed financially and personally.