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That sinking feeling just hit: you checked your FSA account and realized the year is almost over, and you’re scrambling to figure out what to spend excess funds on before they disappear. You’re in good (if panicked) company. Every year, millions of Americans forfeit their FSA funds simply because they run out of time.
If you're managing ADHD, coaching might be the one of the smartest ways to invest those dollars. We’ll talk about why, then review some of the other helpful ADHD supports for your leftover FSA funds before they fly away. 💸
1. There are risks to leaving ADHD untreated
Recent research shows that untreated ADHD in adults can have serious long-term consequences. For instance, one study found adults with ADHD are 42% less likely to be employed full-time and make an average of $15,400 less per year than their neurotypical peers, while a 2023 review of ADHD research found higher risks of:
- substance abuse
- accidents
- offending behavior
- depression
- low self-esteem
- self-harm
- physical health concerns
But with the right support, these statistics don't have to be your story.
2. ADHD coaching is effective
ADHD coaching has been shown to be an effective support for adult ADHD, with a 2018 literature review finding that coaching resulted in improved ADHD symptoms and executive functioning.
Need specific examples? Consider these results from Shimmer members:
- 85% report improved time management within their first month
- Ashley increased her focused work time from 2 to 6 hours daily after just 3 months
- Chris went from missing 40% of deadlines to meeting 95% of them within two months
- A member struggling with the overwhelm of job searching secured their dream job in 2 months.
Other clients saw improvement in relationships, impulsivity, emotional awareness, and self-esteem.
3. See results from your very first session
Just ask Chris, who experienced transformation minutes into their first coaching session: "Less than 10 minutes into my first meeting with my ADHD coach, I knew my life would be transformed." Within just three sessions, Chris developed practical strategies for time management and deep work that changed their entire approach to productivity.
⚡Other quick wins:
- Immediate practical strategies you can implement
- Clear action steps for your specific challenges
- Tools and techniques matched to your needs
- Relief from having the expert support of someone who gets it
4. Bridge the gap between treatment and daily life
"Therapy was really awesome, but I felt I was having a lot of trouble post-diagnosis. That I didn't know what to do on the day-to-day. This is where coaching came into play for me," shared one Shimmer member. As an ADHD coach, I’d say about 80% of my clients come to coaching with the same story. Coaching and therapy for ADHD are both great interventions, but they approach symptoms differently. Of the two, ADHD coaching is much more likely to address the day-to-day functional challenges we ADHDers experience.
How coaching fills the gap:
- Turns clinical insights into daily habits
- Provides real-time problem-solving support
- Offers strategies for immediate challenges
- Creates sustainable routines that work for you
Even better, you don’t always have to choose between the two. Coaching complements other treatments, like therapy and medication, by focusing on practical implementation. Struggling to stick with the things you learn in therapy? Keep forgetting to take your ADHD medication? An ADHD coach can work with you to identify the behavioral barriers to developing these routines and habits, identify solutions, and help you tailor strategies to your unique situation.
5. Make the most of your FSA account
Using FSA funds for ADHD coaching isn't just smart healthcare – it's smart financial planning. Instead of losing those dollars, invest them in support that continues to pay dividends throughout the year.
Financial advantages:
- Avoid forfeiting FSA funds
- Invest in long-term skill development
- Create value that extends beyond the calendar year
✨ Shimmer is HSA/FSA/HRA-eligible! If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Savings Account (FSA), or Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) with your employer, you can pay for Shimmer using your card from one of these accounts or submit our invoices for reimbursement.
Other FSA eligible expenses for ADHD support
Your FSA dollars can also cover other valuable ADHD management tools. Here are some lesser-known FSA-eligible expenses to consider combining with coaching:
🩺 Professional Support
- Therapy sessions for emotional support
- Psychiatric consultations
- Educational assessments
- Sleep studies (ADHD often impacts sleep patterns)
🛠️ Digital Tools & Organization
With a Letter of Medical Necessity from your healthcare provider:
- Time management and productivity apps
- Noise-canceling headphones for focus
- Digital planners and organization systems
- Focus-friendly lighting and workspace tools
🤹♂️ Skill Development
- ADHD management workshops
- Executive function training
- Time management courses
- Professional development related to ADHD
Use your FSA funds on sustainable ADHD supports
Many Shimmer members find that using coaching sessions to learn how to effectively implement their new organizational tools or digital apps leads to better results than using either solution alone. As one member shared: "Having someone like my coach there was a great way to troubleshoot together as issues arise, and was helpful to learn how to orient my work day or study schedule to meet my needs."
So, don't let your FSA funds slip away. Instead, consider investing in a comprehensive ADHD support plan that combines coaching with some of the additional tools shared above. With smart use of FSAs, you can make this ADHD management more affordable and sustainable long-term. Meet your coach today!
