PRACTICAL TIPS THAT HAVE HELPED AN ADULT ON THE SPECTRUM MAINTAIN FINANCIAL SECURITY

By Angela CHAPES (a winner of our APM 2022 Contributor Awards)

Ithink it is important to maintain financial security when you are an adult on the spectrum. Here are some tips that have helped me maintain financial security.

Tip 1: Credit Cards – DON’T get credit cards because they can be dangerous. At one time in my life I had credit cards. I first started off with one. It became addicting over time because I could not stop spending. When I reached my limit on my first credit card, I felt like I needed to spend more. I thought I could pay it all off in no time. This is when I got a second, then third, then fourth, then fifth, and lastly, a sixth credit card. Before I knew it, I was in debt with a high amount. I did not know how I would get out of my mess. I turned to my family. My dad came in and helped me out. My conversation with my dad was tough. We devised a plan for me to pay him back over time. I would avoid credit cards if you can’t control your spending. You don’t want to be embarrassed and have to face your family with that. I am in a better situation today; I no longer have credit cards. I plan on not getting them because they only get you into trouble, spending money you don’t have.