If you’ve got ADHD, you’ve probably paid your fair share of what’s lovingly (or not-so-lovingly) known as the “ADHD tax.” You know, those extra costs we end up shouldering because our brains can’t keep up with the million things we’re trying to juggle. Whether it's shelling out for activities at a summer festival and forgetting the enrolment time & date so you don’t get your first pick of activities, or paying extra fees at the airport because you forgot to check in online, the ADHD tax can be a cash drain. We can manage it—sometimes...
Understanding the ADHD Tax
So, what’s this ADHD tax all about? Well, it’s basically the price we pay (literally and figuratively) for those moments when our ADHD gets the better of us. Maybe you spent months planning for a weekend festival, like I did with Camp Wildfire. I had it all figured out—activities like tree trekking, bee-keeping, blacksmithing, the works. I even set an alarm for the registration date, had it in my calendar, and made sure there were no scheduling clashes. I was ready. But when the day came I completely forgot to log on.
By the time I remembered, all my top picks were gone, and I was stuck with activities I didn’t really want. Let’s not talk about how much I paid for the privilege of doing things that are more “meh” than “wow.”
Then there’s the time I forgot to check in for a flight and had to cough up for a check-in fee at the airport, cheers RyanAir. Or when I missed a credit card payment and got slapped with a fine.
How Blockbuster went out of business is beyond me, considering I practically funded it with all the late fees I paid. I'm pretty sure there’s still a DVD or two hiding in a drawer somewhere.
Impact on Finances and Relationships
The ADHD tax doesn’t just drain your wallet—it can also mess with your relationships and your peace of mind. All those late fees, missed payments, and impulsive purchases can take a serious toll on your budget. And the emotional side? That’s even worse. The guilt, frustration, and self-criticism can be overwhelming. It’s like, “Why can’t I just get my shit together for once?” And that feeling can bleed into your relationships, making it hard to stay positive or feel like you’re on top of things.
Strategies to Reduce the ADHD Tax
Now, managing the ADHD tax isn’t easy, but there are some tricks that help...sometimes. I’ve tried everything from alarms and reminders to post-it notes plastered all over my office. I’ve got Alexa and Siri in the mix too—hell, I’m surrounded by AI assistants, but still don't get it right— they’re only as good as my ability to actually listen to them, and I can get sidetracked in an instant…
One thing that’s semi-reliable is using a calendar app, it's my life. If I make plans, my friends know to double-check that they’re in my calendar. Direct Debits are a money saver too. I try to automate as many bills as possible. As soon as I get paid, I tackle the ‘adult job’ of paying bills, because if I don’t do it then, it’s probably not getting done until I get a late notice (and another fee) in the mail.
Building a Support System
Here’s the thing—having a support system can be a lifesaver. My friends are my unofficial ADHD management team. They remind me about plans, make sure I’ve got important dates in the calendar, and give me that extra nudge when I need it. Automating bills helps too, so I don’t have to worry about remembering to pay them—set it and forget it, right?
Living Your Best Life with ADHD
Look, the ADHD tax is never going to disappear completely, but that doesn’t mean we can’t live our best lives with it. Celebrate the small wins—like actually remembering to check in for a flight on time or paying a bill before the deadline. It might sound silly, but those little victories can add up and help you feel like you’re not just constantly playing catch-up.
So yeah, the ADHD tax is real, and it can be a pain in the ass. But with a few good strategies, some solid support, and a bit of patience with yourself, you can keep it from ruining your life.