Neurodivergent Money Management | ADHD, Budgeting, Debt-free, Savings, Income, Executive Function,

Are you constantly spending to cope with stress, even after promising yourself you wouldn't?

Does opening bills, letters, or financial reminders instantly trigger overwhelm or shame?

Is sticking to a budget a struggle, even though you know you earn enough?

Do money thoughts leave you feeling guilty, anxious, or like you're always “behind” in life?

If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place.

Neurodivergent Money Management is the podcast that helps you finally feel calmer, clearer, and more in control of your finances. Here, you’ll learn how to:
✨ pay off debt without shame
✨ budget in a way your brain can actually follow
✨ reduce emotional and impulsive spending
✨ build savings you can rely on
✨ feel genuinely less anxious about money

I’m Esther Bangura, your host — financial coach for neurodivergent adults.
I spent years trapped in a vicious debt cycle, constantly overspending, constantly stressed, and constantly feeling like I was failing at something everyone else seemed to manage easily. It wasn’t until I was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult that everything finally made sense.

I tried all the same things you’ve probably tried too — strict budget spreadsheets, colour-coded tracking apps, discipline, willpower, “no-spend days.” None of it worked. Not because I wasn’t trying hard enough, but because I was using systems built for neurotypical brains.

Everything changed when I realised I needed to:
💛 manage my anxiety around money
💛 interrupt stress-spending before it spirals
💛 build a money routine that works with my brain, not against it

When I did that, I reduced my stress spending, became more organised with my finances, and eventually became completely debt-free.

And now? I’m here to help you do the same.

Neurodivergent Money Management features both solo teaching episodes and guest interviews, covering ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia through a shame-free, brain-friendly money lens.

If you’re ready to get 1:1 support to understand your money stressors, reframe your anxiety around money, and finally become debt-free — Apply for 1:1 Neurodivergent and Money Coaching.

Your brain works differently.
Your money can too.

Episodes

Sep 22, 2025

54 min

Dyslexia is a global challenge—affecting millions, yet still misunderstood in many parts of the world. What's truly inspiring is how awareness is now gaining momentum in Africa, especially in Nigeria, where conversations about neurodiversity are just beginning to break through cultural and educational barriers. In this episode, I sit down with Adunola Shoge, a trailblazer who is changing the narrative around dyslexia in Africa. We explore her personal journey, the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent adults in Nigeria, and the practical tools that are making a real difference. Why is dyslexia awareness kicking off in Nigeria now? Because more voices like Adunola's are speaking up, challenging stigma, and building communities of support. It's a reminder that inclusion is a global movement—and every story matters.   Highlights   Adunola's personal journey with dyslexia and what inspired her to become an advocate. The biggest challenges facing neurodivergent communities in Africa—and how Adunola is helping to overcome them. Practical resources and strategies that are making a real impact.   Links & Resources   👉🏽 Connect with Adunola on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/adunola-shoge/ Check out Adunloa Shoge Dyslexic Genius book    📑 Free Neurodivergents and Money Report 2025: Download Managing Money with a Neurodivergent Brain — UK Research 2025   💼 Connect with Esther: https://www.linkedin.com/in/estherbangura/     🌐 More resources: www.estherbangura.com   

Sep 22, 2025

54 min

Sep 15, 2025

56 min

In this episode, Esther sits down with career coach Tae to discuss how neurodivergent adults can confidently navigate debt, work, and business. They share personal stories of late diagnoses, overcoming academic and financial challenges, and building systems that work for unique brains. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking practical advice and encouragement on thriving with neurodivergence in their career and finances.   Highlights: Tae's journey to a late diagnosis of dyslexia and dyspraxia, and how it shaped her education and career path The realities of juggling work, study, and debt as a neurodivergent adult Building personalized systems and boundaries to manage overwhelm The power of self-employment and business for neurodivergent individuals Practical tips for managing money, finding support, and advocating for your needs at work and university The importance of community, faith, and leaning into your unique strengths   Links & Resources: 👉🏽 Connect with Tae Dawodu-Alcide on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tae-dawodu/ 📑 Free Neurodivergents and Money Report 2025: Download Managing Money with a Neurodivergent Brain — UK Research 2025 💼 Connect with Esther: https://www.linkedin.com/in/estherbangura/  🌐 More resources: www.estherbangura.com

Sep 15, 2025

56 min

Sep 8, 2025

14 min

In this episode, Esther Bangura explores why managing money is rarely about numbers alone, especially for neurodivergent adults with ADHD, dyslexia, or dyspraxia. Drawing on new UK research, she unpacks how emotions drive financial behaviour, the science of emotional regulation, and what practical strategies can actually help. If you have ever felt anxious, overwhelm.   Highlights Esther shares her personal experience of stress spending on Ubers when time blindness strikes and how this links to the survey finding that 71 percent of ND adults feel they are trying but still struggling. Discover why emotions like anxiety, overwhelm, and guilt create ongoing cycles of avoidance and shame, and how understanding brain science — the amygdala and prefrontal cortex — can help shift the narrative from willpower to self-compassion. Learn three practical approaches to emotional regulation that work with a neurodivergent brain: building self awareness, developing an emotional vocabulary, and using body scanning to reconnect with your feelings. Esther also shares how workplaces, financial institutions, and schools can play a role in creating more supportive systems.   Links & Resources 📑 Free Neurodivergents and Money Report 2025: Download Managing Money with a Neurodivergent Brain — UK Research 2025 💼 Connect with Esther: https://www.linkedin.com/in/estherbangura/  🌐 More resources: www.estherbangura.com  

Sep 8, 2025

14 min

Sep 1, 2025

11 min

Summary In this episode Esther Bangura shares the story behind launching the 2025 UK Neurodivergence and Money Survey. She opens up about her own ADHD inattentive diagnosis, money shame, and cycles of overspending and reveals what 279 neurodivergent adults across the UK told us about stress spending, executive dysfunction, and financial goals. This episode is for professionals, workplaces, and ND adults who want to understand the barriers and the solutions that really work. Highlights: Story: Esther's turning point after her ADHD inattentive diagnosis Barrier and breakthrough: Why 80 percent overspend when stressed, and why it is not about laziness Tools that actually help ND adults: money day routines, calm budgeting, and human support Survey insights: the top four things ND adults really want — resilience recognised, clear financial goals, inclusive workplaces, and personalised support The change we need: workplaces, banks, education, and government systems designed with ND brains in mind Links and Resources: 📑 Free Neurodivergents and Money Report 2025: Download Managing Money with a Neurodivergent Brain — UK Research 2025 💼 Connect with Esther: LinkedIn 🌐 More resources: www.estherbangura.com

Sep 1, 2025

11 min

Aug 25, 2025

9 min

In this deeply personal first episode, Esther shares the story behind her unexpected 22-month break from coaching and social media.  A season marked by burnout, health challenges, and a long-overdue ADHD diagnosis. You'll hear what led to her second neurodivergent assessment, how fibroids, a home renovation, and returning to university collided with emotional spending and financial strain, and why traditional productivity systems stopped working. This episode is for anyone who's ever felt like they were quietly drowning while trying to hold it all together. Esther opens up about masking, money shame, and the moment she finally gave herself permission to stop performing and start healing. Whether you're newly diagnosed, self-identy, navigating financial overwhelm, or just craving a space where your brain is understood — this is where the journey begins.   Links and Resources: 📑 Free Neurodivergents and Money Report 2025: Download Managing Money with a Neurodivergent Brain — UK Research 2025 💼 Connect with Esther: LinkedIn 🌐 More resources: www.estherbangura.com  

Aug 25, 2025

9 min

Aug 24, 2025

1 min

Welcome to Esther Bangura, the podcast for adult-diagnosed neurodivergents navigating life's complexities—from work and family to business, identity, and everything in between. In this trailer, I share the heart behind the show—why it exists, who it's for, and how we'll explore life with honesty, intention, and brain-friendly tools. Expect real talk, gentle structure, and practical strategies that honour your lived experience. Whether you're managing executive dysfunction at work, juggling family responsibilities, building a business, or simply trying to make sense of your diagnosis in the midst of everyday life—you're not alone. This is a space where your neurodivergence isn't a barrier, but a lens through which we build lives that actually work for us. Let's rewrite the rules together—with grace, clarity, and neurodivergent joy.   I was hoping you could go to your favourite podcast platform and make sure you hit SUBSCRIBE, so you don't miss out on any of my money tips.   And, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a rating and a review on The Apple podcast and share your favourite episodes with your favourite human beings. Thanks!   Here's how to rate and review on apple podcasts: In the Library Tab under Shows, click on the podcast subscription and scroll down to Ratings & Reviews to give it a star rating. Click Write a Review, if you wish, then click Send when finished.  

Aug 24, 2025

1 min

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