Strengths and Weaknesses of Everyday Financial Knowledge and Judgment Skills of Adults with ADHD

Abstract

Adequate financial capability is crucial in everyday life. This capability might, however, not be given to adults with ADHD. The present study aims to determine strengths and weaknesses regarding everyday financial knowledge and judgment skills in adults with ADHD. In addition, the impact of income is explored. Forty-five adults with ADHD (Mage = 36.6, SDage = 10.2) and 47 adults without ADHD (Mage = 38.5, SDage = 13.0) were included and were assessed with the Financial Competence Assessment Inventory. Adults with ADHD showed decreased scores regarding awareness of the arrival of bills, knowledge of own income, having a reserve fund for unexpected expenses, the ability to state long-term financial goals, own preferences for estate management, understanding of assets, legal action for debt, access to financial advice/counseling, and the ability to compare medical insurance plans as compared with adults without ADHD (all p < 0.001). However, no effect of income was found. In conclusion, adults with ADHD have difficulties with many aspects of everyday financial knowledge and skills, which might result in a plethora of personal and legal consequences. It is, therefore, of the utmost importance that professionals who support adults with ADHD proactively ask about everyday financial functioning so that assessment, financial support, and coaching can be provided.