ADD - 5 Ways To Improve Your Finances

Because ADD people have issues with organization, we can sometimes find ourselves in a financial pickle. We live in the here and now, and don't think about time passing. This makes us oblivious to the schedules of the linear world, and this is even true when it comes to keeping our finances straight. Here are 5 great ways to solve that issue.

1. Pay Cash

ADD people aren't likely to balance a checkbook each month when the bank statement comes in, and that can lead to disaster. Instead of trying to remember all the various purchases you've made throughout the day, just take enough cash to keep you going. Then, all you have to do is deduct the cash amount from your register and keep a better handle on your finances, too.

2. Get Into Using Online Banking

A very convenient service that all banks now offer is online banking. Set yourself up with that, and then, use your debit card for everything. Go through your day, and pocket every receipt. When you get home at night, take out all the receipts and immediately enter the amounts into your check register. Make it a ritual. Then, check into online banking to be sure that all your debits match.

3. Make Online Banking ADD-Friendlier

Buy an electronic financial program, like Quicken or Microsoft Money, and tie it into your online banking account. Use your debit card for all purchases and then every day, instead of recording the money you spent, just sync your software with your bank account. You'll know what's in your checking account instantly. Just remember that some smaller operations may not have the ability to alert your bank of your purchase right away. Keep those receipts aside until they hit your account. This will give you a more accurate picture of where you stand financially.

4. Pay Bills Online

Online bill payment is offered by most banks these days, and this is perfect for people with ADD. Take the time to set your payees up, and then, each month, log in and pay all your bills with a few clicks of your mouse. You won't have to worry about writing checks anymore or remember to buy stamps and mail letters anymore, either. Online bill pay is very ADD-friendly and works great.

5. No Messy Paper

Putting this electronic financial system into overdrive involves setting your preferences to paperless billing. That means, you tell your bank that you want to receive electronic billing from all your billers that offer it. Then, you won't have to worry about your ADD making you lose the bill so that you forget to pay it because it will show up right in your online bill payment account. No worries!

You may think that setting all this up is too difficult for someone with your personal brand of ADD. So, hire someone or ask someone you trust to do it for you. And don't be afraid to spend the $50 or so that the financial software will cost. You'll save way more than that because you won't have any more late payment or overdraft fees. You could have a much smoother life.