Episode 81: The ADHD Tax: Where Your Money Is Really Going

Have you ever wondered where your money is actually going - even when you’re trying your best to stay on top of things? In this episode of the ADHD Families Podcast, ADHD parenting expert Sharon Collon unpacks the very real cost of the “ADHD tax” and how small forgotten admin tasks can quietly drain thousands from family finances. Sharon shares honest stories about impulsive spending, budgeting struggles, dyscalculia, and the emotional load many ADHD households carry during a cost-of-living crisis. You’ll learn why ADHD brains often avoid money management, how financial overwhelm builds silently, and the practical systems Sharon used to finally regain control. If you’ve been feeling stressed, avoidant, or ashamed about money, this episode will help you feel less alone - and give you practical next steps to start reducing the ADHD tax immediately. 👀 In This Episode, Sharon Covers: ✅ What the “ADHD tax” actually is and why so many families experience it✅ How forgotten subscriptions, overdue admin, and delayed decisions quietly cost families thousands✅ The emotional side of money avoidance and financial overwhelm✅ Living through the collision of ADHD, rising living costs, fuel prices, and family stress✅ Why dyscalculia and ADHD can make budgeting feel impossible✅ The truth about impulsive spending in ADHD households✅ Simple systems Sharon used to uncover hidden financial leaks✅ How to reduce shame and start taking small practical action✅ The 5-day “Money Hunt” implementation event designed to help families regain control of their finances ⚠️ If your household has been feeling stretched financially lately, this episode is an important reminder that small admin gaps can create major financial stress over time. Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to the episode01:12 – The collision of ADHD, cost-of-living pressures, and family finances02:45 – The real story behind the “life-size pumpkin man” argumen05:10 – Why ADHD brains avoid money and admin tasks07:18 – Discovering thousands of dollars leaking from the household budget09:40 – What the ADHD tax really looks like in everyday life12:05 – Dyscalculia, overwhelm, and financial shame15:10 – Small systems that helped regain control18:42 – Why this is not about perfection or strict budgeting21:08 – Introducing the 5-day Money Hunt implementation event23:00 – Final thoughts and encouragement 💰 Ready to Stop Paying the ADHD Tax? The Money Hunt is Sharon’s practical implementation event designed specifically for ADHD families who feel overwhelmed by money, forgotten admin, subscriptions, late fees, and financial chaos. Over 5 focused days, Sharon will help you uncover hidden money leaks, simplify your systems, and create practical habits that actually work for ADHD brains. Inside The Money Hunt, you’ll learn how to: ✅ Find forgotten subscriptions and recurring charges ✅ Reduce financial overwhelm and avoidance ✅ Create ADHD-friendly money systems ✅ Recover money quietly leaking from your household ✅ Build momentum without shame or perfectionism 👉 Join The Money Hunt HERE 🔔 Next Steps & Resources Subscribe to the ADHD Families Podcast Join the waitlist for the ADHD Family Quest Learn more at thefunctionalfamily.com Work With Sharon Sharon Collon helps ADHD families create calmer homes, stronger relationships, and practical systems that reduce overwhelm. Through her programs, resources, and podcast, Sharon shares compassionate, evidence-informed support for parents navigating the realities of ADHD family life. Whether you’re struggling with emotional regulation, executive functioning, school stress, or family routines, Sharon’s work is designed to help parents feel supported — not judged.  🌐 The Functional Family