Financial Independence for Autistic Individuals: Practical Steps to Start Today

Achieving financial independence can be a challenge for anyone, and for autistic individuals, there may be added obstacles like sensory sensitivities, navigating new social situations, or managing complex routines. However, with the right guidance and tools, building a secure financial foundation is absolutely possible. Here are some practical steps to help autistic individuals achieve financial independence.

Step 1: Start with a simple budget

A budget is the cornerstone of financial independence. Begin by noting your monthly income and all necessary expenses, including rent, bills, and groceries. Many budgeting tools cater to different needs, including those with straightforward, minimalist layouts that can help reduce overwhelm. Remember, a budget doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective.
Suggested Tools: Tools like Goodbudget* and YNAB* (You Need a Budget) can help you get started. Goodbudget uses a simple “envelope system,” dividing income into categories so you can easily see where your money is going each month.

Step 2: Set clear financial goals

Setting small, manageable financial goals is a great way to stay motivated. Start by identifying a realistic savings target. This could be for an emergency fund, a big purchase, or even a holiday. Having a clear goal in mind can help keep spending in check and create positive reinforcement for staying on track.
Tip: Visual reminders like goal trackers or notes in your budget app can be helpful to keep goals front and centre. For instance, a simple goal tracking app lets you break down larger goals into smaller, achievable steps.

Step 3: Build a safety net

Creating a safety net is essential for financial independence. A solid safety net includes an emergency fund and, if possible, insurance. Start by saving a small amount each month towards this fund until you have at least a few months’ worth of expenses saved up. Many find that setting up automatic transfers to a savings account helps keep savings consistent without having to actively think about it.

Saving and budgeting tools that work for autistic individuals

1. Goodbudget: For envelope budgeting

Goodbudget uses a simple “envelope system,” dividing your income into various categories (or “envelopes”) like groceries, rent, and entertainment. This visually organised approach allows you to see exactly where your money is allocated, reducing the need for complex calculations or tracking.

2. YNAB (You Need a Budget): For hands-on budgeting

YNAB encourages proactive budgeting and helps you assign every dollar to a specific purpose. The system is comprehensive, but its structured approach can help develop strong budgeting habits. YNAB also has a community of users who share helpful tips and encouragement, which can provide extra motivation and support.

3. Acorns: For automatic saving and investing

Acorns rounds up each purchase you make and saves the spare change in a separate account. Once you reach a certain amount, Acorns* automatically invests it for you, helping build savings without the need for constant monitoring. For individuals looking for a low-stress way to start saving, this can be a great tool.