Ep 236: What a late ADHD diagnosis taught me about money and myself

Kiersten here. It’s just me this week.

It’s been two years since my ADHD diagnosis, and in that time I’ve learned a lot. In this episode, I’m sitting down solo to unpack what this label actually changed, what it didn’t, and what I’ve had to unlearn about focus, money, and identity along the way. I’m revisiting the journey to speak directly to anyone navigating their own diagnosis (or the suspicion of one), especially while trying to manage money, relationships, and modern life.

If you ever wondered why your brain makes you avoid bills one day and build a budget for fun the next, this one’s for you.

I discuss:

• Grieving the gap between naming a problem and solving it
• When hyperfocus turns into self-surveillance
• Why most ADHD systems feel like punishment (and what to do instead)
• Habit stacking, automation, and why I stopped chasing streaks
• How a $3 snack usually does more for my brain than a $300 planner
• Hormones, sleep & the “why did my meds stop working” problem
• What movement really does for dopamine (and my money habits)
• Why dopamine placement determines my financial outcomes more than budgeting
• The octopus metaphor that finally made my brain make sense

Links: 

• Episode 172: A real conversation about ADHD, money, and relationships (or watch it instead)
• Episode 184: How to automate your savings and finally get ahead (or watch it instead) 
• My Octopus Teacher trailer
• Secrets of the Octopus 

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