Financial Planning, Made More Human (and Neurodivergent-Friendly)
When people think of “accommodations,” they might picture formal requests for assistive technology at school or work. But you shouldn’t have to mask or contort yourself just to talk about your money.
If the idea of sitting in a formal meeting, making eye contact, or sifting through a bunch of jargon makes your brain want to flee, you’re in good company.
Whether you’re autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, anxious, or simply wired differently than the so-called “ideal client” financial systems were built around, here are some accommodations that can help make the financial planning process feel a little more accessible, less overwhelming, and more human.
Your brain isn’t the problem. The system is, and we can change it together.
The Right Environment Makes All the Difference
The setting where financial planning happens matters more than most people think. For some of us, bright lights, background noise, or even being on camera (Zoom fatigue is real) can make it hard to think, let alone make important decisions.
Flexible meeting formats: Video on or off. Camera off with screen share. Walking phone calls. Asynchronous check-ins via email.
Control of sensory inputs: Lighting, noise, temperature, textures…It’s okay to ask for changes that will help you feel calm and centered.
Pacing: Breaks during long sessions. Shorter meetings spread out over time. Permission to reschedule without shame if your capacity is low.
Communication
If money conversations have ever left you more confused than empowered, you’re not alone. Many financial spaces are full of jargon or assume you’ll think quickly and speak up right away. But there are other ways to connect and understand.
Plain language, no jargon: “Let’s talk about how this could affect your taxes” vs. “This has implications for your marginal rate.”
Written follow-ups: Summaries of what we discussed, what’s next, and what’s coming up soon.
Time to process: Not everyone thinks best on the spot. Space to review, digest, and come back with questions on your own timeline might be just what you need to really give a question proper consideration.
Visuals and metaphors: Charts, timelines, checklists, or real-life analogies, whatever helps you connect the dots better. (I personally am fond of a good analogy…or seven).
Support for Follow-Through and Focus
If you’ve ever struggled to follow through on money tasks despite your best intentions, this isn’t a character flaw. Oftentimes it’s an executive function mismatch in how our brains organize and manage tasks.
Project-based planning: One thing at a time, based on your priorities. No need for an overwhelming “comprehensive plan” that needs a binder.
Shared to-do lists and accountability: Need a gentle nudge? Prefer doing things together? Like regular check-ins?
Scaffolding: Prepping forms ahead of time, and breaking out complex steps into bite-sized chunks.
It’s Personal: Trust, Identity, and Connection
No performative professionalism: You don’t need to impress your planner. Show up as yourself.
Curiosity over assumptions: The way we define things like success or stability puts the personal in “personal finance.”
Affirming chosen family: Planning with all your significant relationships in mind, not just the ones on a legal form.
Accommodations aren't extras.
They’re how we make financial planning actually work for real people.
When financial planning is designed for actual people (not imaginary neurotypical, cis-het robots with 2.4 kids and a house in the suburbs), it becomes kinder and more effective for everyone.
The written recap that’s helpful for someone with ADHD? It's also what the busy parent or detail-oriented analytical type wants too.
You deserve support that meets your brain, your culture, and your lived experience where they are; or at the very least, someone who’s open to learn alongside you.
If you’ve ever felt like traditional money advice wasn’t made for you, you’re not wrong.
But there’s a better way.
FYI: Advocating for yourself is a skill anyone can learn. In my next post, I’ll walk you through how to do just that.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and doesn't constitute financial advice. Consider consulting with a fee-only financial planner for personalized guidance.
