Podcast Recap: ADHD, Could it be your Financial Superpower?
In this insightful episode of Financial Autonomy for Women, host Maureen Paley dives into a fascinating discussion about ADHD and its potential role as a financial superpower. Joined by guest Mariah Hudler, a financial therapist and therapeutically informed financial coach, the two explore the intersections of neurodivergence, money management, and personal empowerment.
ADHD as a financial superpower? Listen HERE.
Mariah begins by explaining ADHD as a chronic medical condition affecting behavior and brain activity, often underdiagnosed in adults. While ADHD can present challenges like procrastination, disorganization, and impulse spending, Mariah emphasizes that these characteristics can also be transformed into strengths. She reframes ADHD traits—such as hyperfocus and creativity—as assets for entrepreneurial ventures and financial success.
Mariah highlights how ADHD can foster a unique relationship with money that, when approached holistically, can lead to personal and financial growth. She explains how individuals with ADHD often develop creative strategies and life hacks that can become valuable financial tools. The conversation delves into the importance of viewing money not as a source of shame, but as a tool for freedom, choice, and connection.
One of the key points Mariah makes is about redefining financial frameworks to suit neurodiverse needs. Instead of a traditional budget, Mariah encourages the use of concepts like "no-budget budgets" or gamified financial structures that align better with the ADHD mind, allowing for both structure and freedom. By breaking down spending and saving into creative stages—such as "countdown," "liftoff," and "orbit"—Mariah illustrates how individuals with ADHD can harness their natural talents to thrive financially.
The episode also touches on generational money stories and how these inherited beliefs about money can shape our financial habits. Mariah shares her journey of overcoming scarcity and shame to develop a healthier, more liberated relationship with money.
For anyone managing ADHD or seeking to understand its connection to financial well-being, this episode offers hope, practical strategies, and a compassionate perspective on harnessing neurodivergent strengths. As Mariah reminds us, it's about finding balance, accessing support, and transforming what others may see as limitations into financial superpowers.
Have you ever experienced aversion to budgets?
Key Takeaways:
ADHD Traits as Strengths
Hyperfocus, creativity, and innovation can serve as valuable tools in financial management, especially for entrepreneurs.
Rethinking Budgets
Traditional budgets may feel restrictive. Instead, gamifying finances or creating flexible, customized plans can work better for neurodivergent individuals.
Money Stories Matter
Understanding and healing your personal and generational money stories can help break cycles of shame and avoidance.
Holistic Financial Therapy
Mariah integrates mindfulness and acceptance in her financial therapy practice, helping clients build emotional and financial resilience.
Emotional and Financial Practices to Ponder
How some of our world's greatest entrepreneurs used the creativity and energy of their ADHD brains to build a variety of businesses and income streams
How Acceptance and Commitment Therapy supports clients in being with their challenges and also identifying how to move forward to create solutions
How exploring your "Money Story" can help you gain insights into your current money behaviors
"Dropping Anchor" and how this exercise can help us stabilize amidst the storm of our overwhelming thoughts and emotions.
Want to learn more about getting support for ADHD and Money Management with Koru Financial Therapy?
Explore the Koru Financial Therapy BLOG which offers information, support, and tips on how to stop struggling and cultivate a financial life that matters most to you.
To access Koru Financial Therapy services which include individual, couple, family, or group sessions, follow the steps below:
Reach out to schedule a free 20-minute phone consultation.
Speak with Mariah, a certified financial therapist.
Start your journey to growth, strength, and peace.
Financial Therapy topics can include, building generational wealth, financial infidelity, and money dysmorphia, amongst many others.
About the Author
Mariah is a mental health counselor & financial therapist who specializes in helping individuals, couples, and entrepreneurs build emotional and financial balance. As the founder of Koru Financial Therapy, she uses a holistic approach to connect mind, body, and spirit, guiding her clients toward healthier relationships with money. Mariah’s journey of overcoming generational financial trauma has fueled her passion for financial empowerment. A second-generation Irish immigrant and recovering money avoider, she now views money as a tool for freedom, creativity, and connection. Through her work, Mariah creates a warm, inclusive, and therapeutic space where clients can heal, grow, and achieve their financial goals.
