INTERVIEW: Turning the Tides with a Neurodivergent Money Maverick

If you’re new to our publication, welcome to Divergent Money, a space where we explore the unique ways neurodivergent individuals navigate personal finance. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to TC, a 46-year-old with AuDHD (ADHD with a comorbidity of ASD), who has taken some remarkable steps toward turning their financial life around. Once burdened by debt and a credit score stuck near 560, TC has successfully raised it to 722 over the last five years, while also clearing the bulk of their debts! Now, they’re on a path to catch up on retirement savings—a feat many of us can and should find inspiring.

In this interview we hope to shed light on some of their strategies, mindset shifts, and organizational hacks that helped along the way. So, let’s dive in.

The Interview

DM: Thanks for agreeing to share your journey with us. To start, can you tell our readers a bit about your early financial struggles and how your neurodivergence played into that?

TC: Absolutely. Well, growing up, I thought everyone saw the world through similar eyes - until it became abundantly clear that they absolutely did not. Unfortunately, it took until my early 30's until I was formally diagnosed with ADHD, and then I discovered aspects of ASD in my 40s. Looking back, it explains a lot of my difficulties. It colors pretty much every aspect of my life, particularly with executive function—things like tracking and managing things. Relevant to finances, multiple bills, due dates, impulsive spending, and just decision fatigue in general. Starting in my 20s, I had five different credit cards. I’d juggle them, often forgetting which bill was due when- despite reminders posted randomly around my apartment. By the time I started paying attention to statements, late fees and interest had piled up, and my credit score was an embarrassment. The shame of it was as bad as the consequences.

DM: I think a lot of us understand that stress. Was there a specific moment that made you realize you needed a big financial reset?

TC: Well, the notion of a reset is always there, you know. It's not as if you don't know that it's needed. But pulling the levers on that is hard.

I was in my late 30s, I think it was after I'd been diagnosed and moved across the country that the impact of it all became too much. I thought a fresh start might help- but within a few months, I found myself with the same old issues, following me around like the plague: late rent, bounced checks, overdrafts, and missed credit card payments. One day, I tried to open a store credit card and was declined on the spot. I’m not sure why that moment, of all things, hit me so hard, but it was embarrassing. I felt like I was living on the edge of a financial cliff, and it was time to take a long, hard look at my behavior, not just the consequences, but under the hood.

DM: Once that light bulb went off, the realization hit, how did you begin building a system that worked for your brain?

TC: I guess it started with a decision to be honest with myself about my executive functioning challenges. I knew I needed structure, reminders, and accountability. Again, recognizing those is easy, implementing that can be hard. I always hated when someone would offer advice like, "you need to write things down," or "you need to make a budget." Of course, but how do I do that and stick to it?!

So I started with simple steps. One of the first things was to set up automatic payments wherever possible. My ADHD often manifests as “out of sight, out of mind,” and if I didn’t see a bill, it simply slipped off my radar. Automation ensured the essentials like rent, utilities, and credit card minimums were covered. Of course that then opens another door or making sure there's enough in the bank to cover the payments... it's really a series of doors and locks. Some of them open up possibilities, others drop out underneath you to waiting sharks. You really have to be on your toes.

I also found a financial tracking app that connected to my accounts and sent me alerts for large transactions or low balances. This helped with impulse spending. Plus, I discovered the “envelope system” but adapted it digitally—I created separate accounts for different goals (groceries, bills, fun, etc.). Even though it felt cumbersome at first, it gave me a visual structure that made me feel more in control.

DM: That’s a great strategy. And your credit score journey—from 560's to the 720's—really stands out. What were the key habits that contributed to that impressive jump?

TC: Raising my credit score was a multi-pronged effort. Definitely a long game.

To be honest, I fell in line with traditional wisdom. First, I focused on paying off smaller credit card balances entirely to reduce my utilization rate. Seeing those zero balances helped psychologically, too. Second, I tackled overdue accounts by negotiating payment plans. Some creditors were surprisingly understanding once I reached out proactively. Not always easy to make those calls- but when I was able to get myself in to a focused place, it wasn't so hard.

I also kept a consistent schedule for paying all my bills at least a week before the due date. Sometimes I’d even split payments between paychecks—so if I knew a bill was due on the 30th, I’d pay half on the 15th and half on the 25th. It sounds odd, but it kept me from panicking about one large sum at the end of the month. If the first payment covered the minimum, it also kept my anxiety at bay.

Another big factor was limiting new credit inquiries. Before, I’d apply for new credit lines on a whim. Now, I only apply for credit if I have a solid reason. Over time, regular, on-time payments and lower utilization worked together to raise my score. Like I said, it's a long game, but looking back on it, it doesn't seem so difficult.

DM: Many people feel overwhelmed by debt, especially if they’ve got multiple loans or credit card balances. How did you prioritize what to pay off first?

TC: I used a hybrid of the “debt snowball” and “debt avalanche” methods. I started by paying off my smallest balance first so I could have that emotional win—this was part of the debt snowball strategy. Seeing one balance completely cleared motivated me to keep going.

Then, for larger balances with high interest rates, I took a more “avalanche” approach, paying more than the minimum consistently. I’ve heard people debate which approach is best, but I think it depends on your mindset. For me, building momentum was key, and starting with a small victory helped me believe I could eventually tackle the bigger ones.

DM: Now that you’ve eliminated a lot of your debts, you’ve shifted focus to retirement savings. At 46, how are you catching up?

TC: Catching up on retirement has been an interesting journey. My employer offers a 401(k) with a match, but I never took advantage of it in my earlier years. The first step was to contribute enough to get the full match—it’s essentially free money. After that, I opened a Roth IRA and started maxing it out each year.

I also began learning more about investing. Before, the stock market felt too complicated, and I avoided it. But I discovered index funds are a more straightforward path—lower fees, broad market exposure, and I don’t have to micromanage every single stock. I set up automatic monthly contributions, so my savings grow without me having to think about it constantly.

DM: You’ve mentioned your ADHD and ASD traits have been both a challenge and a unique advantage in some areas. Can you talk more about that?

TC: Sure. The biggest challenge has always been the executive functioning piece—remembering deadlines, dealing with detailed paperwork, or resisting dopamine-driven impulse purchases. However, once I set up a system that catered to my need for structure—like visual budgeting tools and automated reminders—I could lean into some of the benefits of my neurodivergence.

For instance, my hyperfocus can be an amazing asset. When I become deeply interested in something—like mastering a new budgeting app or researching investing strategies—I dive in wholeheartedly. It’s almost like I binge on financial education. That’s how I learned about tax optimization, investing, and debt reduction methods. It’s a double-edged sword, but if harnessed correctly, it can be a game-changer.

DM: What advice would you give to someone who feels paralyzed by debt and struggles with organization due to ADHD or ASD?

TC: First, be kind to yourself. I spent years feeling like a failure—like I was fundamentally flawed. But understanding how my brain works allowed me to move forward. Second, start small. Maybe it’s just automating one bill this month or opening a separate bank account for groceries. Small changes can snowball into major results.

Also, don’t be afraid to seek support. Whether that’s a financial advisor, a money mentor, or a friend who can keep you accountable, outside perspective can be invaluable. And if you can, experiment with different approaches—like bullet journaling for finances, using colored calendars, or setting phone reminders. There’s no one-size-fits-all; the best system is the one you can stick to.

DM: Thanks for those insights. So, what’s on your financial horizon now that you've gotten your house in order?

TC: I’m looking to build an emergency fund of at least six months of expenses. After that, I’d like to start saving for a down payment on a small condo, maybe a house if the opportunity presents itself. I’ve always dreamed of owning my own place but never felt stable enough to do it. Now, with my credit score in the 700s and some savings in place, it doesn't feel out of reach.

I’ve also gotten into the habit of setting “micro-goals”—like learning one new investment concept per month or finding ways to increase my side income. I’ve started some freelance consulting on the side, and I’m funneling that extra money straight into a high-yield savings account. I keep telling myself that all the small steps add up.

Lessons

DM’s Closing Thoughts

TC’s story is a really powerful example of how acknowledging and working with neurodivergent traits—rather than against them—can take you from the financial precipice to financial success. From automating bills to harnessing hyperfocus for research, TC exemplifies how a bit of creativity and dogged perseverance can replace chaos and confusion.

If you’re reading this and identify with their challenges, remember: genuine change starts with understanding your unique needs, then building a personalized financial framework. With the right strategies in place, a once daunting credit score or towering debt can become manageable, even conquerable.

Whether you’re new to Divergent Money or a longtime follower, let TC’s journey inspire you to craft your own path to financial well-being. And if you’re looking for more support, explore our site for resources on budgeting, debt management, and community forums—because no one should navigate this journey alone.

Thank you for reading, and a special thanks to TC for candidly sharing their story. Stay tuned for more success stories from Divergent Money, where we believe that every mind can master money with the right approach.