Bookkeeping with ADHD: Seven Effective Tips to Stay on Track

Managing your business finances can be a daunting task for anyone, but when you have ADHD, it can feel completely insurmountable. Don’t worry, though! With these seven bite-sized, practical strategies, you can transform bookkeeping from a downright chore into a rewarding & manageable workflow in your business.

1. Break It Down Into Bite-Size Chapters

Think of bookkeeping like reading a book, one chapter at a time. Create extremely specific, small tasks and set rewards for each ‘chapter’ you complete. This could be anything from a 10-minute break to a small treat. As you accumulate points for chapters finished, allow yourself bigger rewards (like a trip to the bookstore for your next book to binge). This gamification can make the process more engaging and less overwhelming.

2. Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method where you work in short, focused bursts (usually 25 minutes), followed by a short break. This technique can be particularly effective for ADHD, as it helps maintain focus without getting burnt out. I’ve used it throughout my work days and it’s phenomenal! I’ve even found fun-themed Pomodoro technique videos on YouTube, like Harry Potter or sitting in front of a window in a cottage with rain on the window. Cozy!

3. Habit Stacking

Ah, we all know and love Atomic Habits, right?! Habit stacking involves adding a new habit onto an existing one. For instance, if you already have a habit of checking emails at a certain time, add bookkeeping tasks right after. This method can help integrate bookkeeping into your workflows seamlessly.

Another fun habit stack could be, if you go to the local coffee shop for a latte every Friday morning, do your bookkeeping immediately after! You’ll start to associate your little Friday morning treat with doing your bookkeeping, which teaches your brain you may actually enjoy this task!

4. Regular Software Subscription Reviews

Reminders for people with ADHD can be so helpful! Set a reminder to evaluate your software subscriptions every 3-6 months, on your Google calendar, in Notion, or in your paper planner. This not only helps in keeping track of expenses but also in deciding whether this money going out the door is still beneficial or necessary. (See #6 for more on decreasing spending!)

5. Utilize Lists for Task Management

Keeping lists is a simple yet effective way to track all your bookkeeping tasks. Whether it’s a digital app, Notion, a robust project management software, or a good old-fashioned notebook, lists can help ensure you don’t miss anything important. (Bonus for looping your team members in on your goal to stick with bookkeeping so they can hold you accountable! Consider assigning them to the tasks in your project management system so they can follow up on the status.)

6. Smart Handling of Impulse Purchases

If you struggle with impulse purchases (hey, hi, me!), open a separate bank account specifically for these types of purchases, and add to it a little at a time throughout the month. (You could even add to it as you reward yourself for completing tasks like in #1.) 

In addition to having that separate account, implement a waiting period (like 24-48 hours) before you swipe that debit card. This gives you time to consider if it’s really what you want or need. During that waiting period, fill the time with things that bring you joy and increase your overall wellness like exercising, meditating and connecting with friends. 

Also, using cash over credit to make your spending more tangible for you. If cash isn’t feasible, tuck that credit card away in your sock drawer and only keep your debit hand in your wallet for everyday spending.

7. Allocate Time for Personal Reflection

Regularly set aside time for personal reflection on your financial goals and habits. Do not skip this step! The real secret to self-improvement is to learn and reflect on the past, and move forward with intention.

This can include assessing your progress, reviewing your spending and savings account balance, and considering the impacts of your financial decisions on both yourself and others. This mindfulness approach can lead to more intentional and controlled financial habits.

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Bookkeeping with ADHD doesn’t have to be a source of stress. By including these seven tricks in your routines, you can find a rhythm that works for you, which will make managing your business finances both effective and rewarding. 

Remember, the key is to find what suits your unique needs and to be kind to yourself throughout the process!

If you’re doing it all yourself (go YOU!), but would love to lean on me and my team for questions, we’ve got our monthly bookkeeping membership – The Business Book(keeping) Club – ready for you! This is a place where you can ask questions, have 1:1 calls with professional bookkeepers for troubleshooting help and access to a huge library of (actually) helpful resource videos on how to do your bookkeeping. We would love to welcome you to the club!

Check out the membership here!

Or if you find yourself setting this all up and you want to bang your head against a wall, take a deep breath and give it over to us. We love this stuff and we will take good care of it FOR you 😉 

Check out this page for our DFY services!

Whatever you choose, know that we are here for you – kinda like a bookkeeping big sis. Let us know how we can help!