Ep 36: Health, Identity & Money: An Occupational Therapy Perspective on Financial Well-Being

In this episode of Master My Balance, Occupational Therapist & coach Áine O’Dea (Radiance Consulting) explains how everyday “occupations” – from cooking a meal to topping‑up a Leap Card, are fundamentally linked to brain‑based executive‑function skills and our money habits.✅ What you’ll learn: * Money management is an **occupational skill** just like dressing or caring for a child.* Executive‑function deficits (planning, self‑monitoring, working‑memory) drive budgeting problems for people with ADHD, dyspraxia/DCD, autism or depression.* Simple OT tools – budgeting boards, handheld scanners, smartphone shopping‑list apps, cut cognitive load and anxiety while shopping.* Early financial‑literacy builds lifelong confidence and self‑efficacy.* The **Work & Access Scheme** (launched July 2024) can fund up to **€20 000** for neuro‑inclusion training and workplace OT assessments – any size organisation can apply.🕒 Chapter markers00:00 – Welcome & intro to Master My Balance 00:45 – What “occupation” really means in OT 02:30 – Mental‑health challenges & everyday finances 04:55 – Executive‑function skills → budgeting, planning, self‑monitoring 07:20 – Practical OT tools for adults (budget boards, scanners, apps) 09:45 – Neuro‑divergent adults (ADHD, dyspraxia/DCD, autism, dyslexia) & money 12:10 – Work & Access Scheme – up to €20 k for workplace training/assessments 14:30 – Teaching money skills to kids as young as 3‑5 (self‑efficacy) 16:55 – Áine’s coaching for professionals, self‑employed & SMB owners 19:04 – *End of Part 1*💬 Want to work with Áine? Website: https://www.radianceconsultinghub.com 👍 If this episode helped you, please LIKE, SHARE and COMMENT with your favourite OT tip!🔔 Subscribe for regular tips and talks on financial well-being and the various factors that can impact it: ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/mastermybalance#FinancialWellBeing #OccupationalTherapy #NeuroInclusion #MoneyMindset #MasterMyBalance #financialliteracy