The New Year brings new resolutions, new plans and new financial commitments. With a fresh start, this was a timely opportunity to present the first event of 2024 on personal finances.

I had the privilege of presenting on this – and the always anxious subject: money coming in and money going out.  The main themes of the presentation were the importance of budgeting, the tools available, and a regular approach to staying on top of personal finances.

The nature of autism and associated executive function difficulties, means the subject of finances can cause high levels of anxiety and obsessive rumination. The aim of the presentation was to support the audience to breakdown the budgeting into more manageable steps to allow control and reduce anxiety.

Spreadsheets are an excellent way of setting budgets and monitoring your finance, but, there are other available methods. The event looked at paper notes, mobile phone apps and online financial tracking services.

Throughout, I was keen for people to avoid obsession and anxiety that might come with repeatedly checking and worrying about personal finances. With this in mind, the event had a narrative: managing your personal finances in a way that suits you offers control and certainty.

The audience participation was a great way to summarise some post event action points:

• Spreadsheets are one way of recording finance, but consider others such as apps, paper records and online service.
• Be vigilant: watch out banking scams and always watch out for unusual or unexpected requests for money.
• Consider contacting one of the three main agencies to get your credit score. The three agencies are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

Nick Stone, Autism Hub peer support facilitator & ALAG member, 11 January 2024