ADHD, Neurodivergence, & Money with Sam Sundius

Welcome back my friend! In this episode of the UnFuckYourMoney Podcast, my guest, Sam Sundius, and I dive into neurodivergence, particularly ADHD and autism, and how it can affect our relationship with money. We explore the role of dopamine in decision-making, and the impact of capitalism on financial behaviors. Sam generously shares personal insights and strategies for navigating finances while embracing neurodivergent traits, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, emotional support, and deprogramming shame around money, with an emphasis on the importance of playfulness and creativity in managing money, challenging traditional financial POVs, advocating for a more flexible and trauma-informed approach to financial goal setting. TakeawaysNeurodivergence includes ADHD, autism, and other ways of being.Dopamine plays a crucial role in how we make financial decisions.Understanding one's neurodivergence can aid in self-advocacy.How financial struggles are often tied to societal expectations.How neurodivergent individuals excel in risk-taking and creativity.How shame can hinder financial progress and how liberating ourselves from financial shame can lead to a more playful relationship with money.How challenging the system can empower individuals to take control of their financial situations.And why self-discipline is not the only path to achieving financial goals; flexibility is key.A Quick Note from Sam on self diagnosis:Self-diagnosis (or, better put, self-identification) of neurodivergence is totally valid and widely accepted in the self-advocacy community. Medical diagnosis from a trusted and supportive provider is valuable for getting appropriate support and/or treatment---however, in the case of autism there can be severe, life-long legal ramifications for receiving a formal diagnosis, especially if you reside in one a state with a mandatory registry. (It shouldn't be this way, but it is.) So do your research and talk to your provider *before* seeking an evaluation about the risks and benefits a documented diagnosis could bring you or your child. Use discernment. Don't deny yourself or your child the care or accommodations that you need, but do take precautions in this batshit, ableist world. You can read more about mandatory registries here: https://resiliencymentalhealth.com/2024/07/08/state-autism-databases/———————————————Connect with Sam:https://www.artofundiscipline.comhttps://www.instagram.com/art.of.undiscipline/Sam Sundius is an interdisciplinary artist, non-binary hottie, and neurodivergent extraordinaire in NYC. They do cool things like make bread and speak French. In addition to being an AuDHD goddess, Sam's the one and only person behind Art of Undiscipline coaching, which transforms how people think about their businesses and creative practice to make achieving your biggest ambitions stress-free and easy as pie. Sam's big on disability justice, neuroplasticity, collective liberation, and centering humanity above all else. They live in Queens with their spouse and non-human children (cat and 1980's French touring bicycle). Keywordsneurodivergence, ADHD, autism, money management, dopamine, capitalism, personal finance, money mindset, financial shame, neurodivergence, empowerment, self-discipline, financial goals, trauma-informed money management⭐️ Book Your Introductory SessionIf you’re tired of wondering why money feels harder than it should, I invite you to book a 1:1 Financial Wellness Session.Together, we’ll explore the emotional, behavioral, and nervous system patterns driving your financial decisions, identify what’s getting in the way, and create a practical path forward that actually works for your real life.Because I BET you don’t need more financial advice... you need help understanding why you're struggling to do what you already know would help.You can book your session here. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If this episode made you think, gave you a new perspective, or helped you feel a little less alone, would you do me a favor?Leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and email me a screenshot. Reviews help this little podcast reach more go-getters who need it. And because I appreciate you, I’ll send you a special thank-you gift in return ♥️~Podcast theme song by The Jilted Irony