26 Apr Money Management Tips for Autistic Adults
Achieving financial independence is a big step for every young adult. Money management isn’t as stressful as it seems—we can help!
Why Does Money Management Matter?
Money management is a crucial skill for everyone. It’s a great way to set yourself up for future success. Handling your money well can help you develop a good credit score and stay within a budget. If you do it right, you’ll be able to save up to buy a car and a house. Having a solid grip on your finances can reduce stress and anxiety—worry less, live more!
Setting Up a Bank Account
A great way to start your money management journey is with a bank account. This is a safe place to keep your money. In addition, your bank account will also provide a list of incoming and outgoing transactions every month.
Setting up a bank account may sound tedious, but we have a few ideas that can make it easier.
Come Prepared
Knowing what you need can reduce anxiety leading to your trip to the bank. You can call the bank directly to ask for a list of documents they need. You can also ask whether you need to make an appointment.
There are a few documents you can gather that will help the bank start your account, including:
Depending on the bank, you may also need money to make your first deposit.
Choose ASD-Friendly Banks
Did you know that some banks have taken steps to help members of the ASD community?
Regions Bank is committed to being accessible to everyone on the spectrum. There are quiet areas in all of their banks in case you start to feel overloaded. Regions Banks also offers complementary sensory packs with noise-canceling earbuds, sunglasses, and a stress ball.
Look up banks in your area to learn if they’ve made the experience easy for young adults in the ASD community.
Take a Friend
If you can’t find a bank near you, that’s okay! Consider bringing a close friend or family member with you. Having someone by your side who has set up a bank account before helps. They can provide advice and support you through the experience.
Try Online Banking
There’s always the digital option, too. Ally Bank is fully online, with no physical locations. Visiting a physical bank allows you to ask questions in person, but many online banks offer live virtual assistance.
Most banks have online services, so you don’t need to go back when you want to check your money. You can work with your employer to have paychecks directly deposited. Many banking apps also let you deposit checks right from your phone.
Budgeting Your Money
Creating (and sticking to) a budget is tricky for everyone. Luckily, there are online resources that can help you set up a budget and grow your skills, including:
Use Visuals
Seek out resources like the EveryDollar Budget App that turns a list of numbers into a useful graph. Visual aids can make complicated information easier to understand. Several budgeting apps connect directly to your bank account so that you can visualize your finances in real time.
Be Careful with Credit
Many people start getting credit card offers in the mail when they turn 18. As tempting as they may be, think carefully before you sign up. It can be frustrating to have a credit card when the balances and rates are always changing. You should plan to pay off your balance each month, even though the amount won’t always be the same. Otherwise, you will end up paying more money when you are charged for interest.
It’s very easy to overspend when you’re using credit cards because you don’t need to pay the bill right away. It’s easy to spend more than you can afford unless you’re carefully sticking to your budget. If that happens, you might be charged extra fees if your payments are late.
Money management for people on the autism spectrum doesn’t need to be scary. These tips to manage your money can get you on the road to financial success!
Can’t wait for more money content? Stay tuned for future posts in our Financial Services series!