Hi Valerie:

I found an ADDitude article with lots of different ideas for keeping on top of finances, including paying yourself a weekly allowance in cash so that you know you're over budget when your wallet is empty. Check out the article here: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/2987.html

Here are a few others that might help, too...

No More Late Fees: Pay Your Bills on Time: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/610.html

Budget Strategies for ADD Adults: 18 Ways to Save: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/1659.html

33 Best Organization Tips for ADHD Adults at Work and Home: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/729.html

I hope this helps!

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Can you carry the checkbook/register with you? When you are using your debit card, write the amount INTO the register right then and there at the register. You don't have to subtract it right then and there, just write in the amount. Then put the receipt in the checkbook register.

You could just write it like this....:

Transaction Type MM/DD STORE Amount D/C (debit card) 08/29 Wallyworld -47.28 Ch# 148 08/30 Rent -1500.00 Visa 08/30 Dr. Denton -12.00 DEP 08/30 Rebate from Lowes +50.00

Once they are all written, then in the evening you can reconcile the receipts and do the calculating.

Just a thought! Good luck!

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I think Jannarama has it right in that you need to log in your receipts right when you make a purchase. But it only works if you and your husband do not have a joint account, or you give him the register every week so he can keep track.

Another thing you can do is to budget your money for each type of expense, then put this money in CASH in separate envelopes and keep them in your purse. One is for groceries, one for fast food, one for fun, etc. When you spend money, you spend your CASH from that envelope, and then stick the receipt in it's place. At the end of the week, you will see very quickly where your money goes! Do not carry your debit card or checkbook with you and keep an emergency-only credit card in your wallet.

My problem has always been that I buy something, then need to take it back but can't find the receipt. I've started a new system that I've actually managed to stick with for the past 4 years!

1. Keep a small zippered bag in your purse for your receipts. Once a week or so, file them away. I do this when I'm waiting in carpool lane or at the drive through, getting a burger.

2. File those receipts in a coupon organizer. I keep mine in my car, and it is organized mostly by store. I buy a new coupon organizer each year. I keep it organized by stores in the front, by purchase type in the back. There are 3 stores I frequent for home repair and household goods--I keep the receipts for these in a separate pocket so I can return stuff later. Then there's a pocket for clothes, one for kid's stuff, and one for my hobbies. I don't keep grocery store receipts, but I pretty much keep everything else.

I think this would be great in case my house ever burned down, because I could take these receipts with me to the insurance company and show I bought these pieces of furniture and spent this much on clothing, etc. over the last 3 years. Of course, it would be nice if I kept them in a safe deposit box instead of my closet.

Good luck! I hope my suggestion helps somebody out there!

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