Money management is stressful for a lot of people, but for Black autistic adults, it can be even more complicated.
✔ Budgeting feels overwhelming: too many numbers, too many categories.
✔ Executive dysfunction makes it hard to track spending or pay bills on time.
✔ Sensory needs and special interests mean you might spend impulsively to self-regulate.
And let’s be real… many of us weren’t taught financial literacy growing up. If managing money feels like a struggle, you’re not alone. But with the right approach, you can build a system that actually works for your brain.
Why Managing Money Is Hard for Autistic People
✔ Executive Dysfunction & Avoidance
- Keeping track of bills, bank statements, and deadlines can feel mentally exhausting.
- If money management feels overwhelming or stressful, your brain might avoid it altogether.
✔ Time Blindness = “I Thought I Paid That Already!”
- When time feels fluid, it’s easy to lose track of due dates, subscriptions, or when you last checked your bank balance.
- One month blends into the next, and suddenly, you’re hit with unexpected expenses.
✔ Impulsive Spending for Comfort or Dopamine
- When life is stressful, spending on something comforting (like food, a hobby, or self-care) can be a coping mechanism.
- Special interests can also lead to hyperfixation spending. It’s hard to resist when something sparks joy.
✔ Social Expectations & Guilt Around Money
- Many Black families emphasize helping others financially, which can lead to guilt when setting financial boundaries.
- If you were raised with “money is tight” thinking, you might struggle with saving or feeling safe spending on yourself.
How to Manage Money Without Overwhelm
✔ Step 1: Keep It Simple… One Step at a Time
- Traditional budgeting methods might not work for you, and that’s okay.
- Focus on one manageable step at a time instead of trying to fix everything at once.
✔ Step 2: Set Up Autopay for Bills
- Reduce mental load by automating payments whenever possible.
- If autopay isn’t an option, set reminders a few days before bills are due.
✔ Step 3: Use a “No-Stress” Tracking Method
- If detailed budgets overwhelm you, try:
- A spending tracker app that categorizes purchases automatically.
- A weekly check-in where you glance at your bank balance & upcoming bills.
- A “spending pause” rule (waiting 24 hours before big purchases).
✔ Step 4: Make Saving Money Effortless
- Set up an automatic transfer to savings each month (even if it’s just $5).
- Use apps that round up purchases and save the spare change.
✔ Step 5: Create a “Fun Money” Budget
- If you try to cut all non-essential spending, it will backfire.
- Instead, set a small budget for hobbies, treats, or sensory-friendly items.
✔ Step 6: Plan for “Surprise” Expenses
- If possible, have an “oh no” fund for unexpected costs.
- Even a small cushion can reduce stress when surprise expenses come up.
✔ Step 7: Set Boundaries Around Financial Pressure
- If family or friends expect financial help, it’s okay to say no.
- Example: “I can’t contribute right now, but I can support you in other ways.”
Managing money as a Black autistic adult comes with unique challenges but also unique solutions.
✔ Find a system that works for your brain.
✔ Be patient with yourself. Small changes add up.
✔ Financial stability isn’t about being perfect… it’s about finding balance.
As always… take what resonates, leave what doesn’t, and know that you are not alone in this journey. ❤