Coping mechanisms or techniques for Dyscalculia?

Question

I am not officially diagnosed, but I'm not interested in being tested. I'm fairly sure I have dyscalculia as I still count on my fingers, I have never been able to grasp fractions or percentages, I mix/reverse and confuse certain numbers with other numbers or letters. By default, I read numbers and count out totals at least three times to make sure I'm not wrong. I cannot figure out change when it comes to subtracting or adding to dollar amounts (I will only use whole bills). I can read analog clocks when I have to, but it takes me a minute to make sure I've read it right. I'm also really bad at budgeting my money, which leads to my question: how do you budget?

I've tried using budget sheets before, but I'm ashamed to admit that I don't understand it. Besides dividing money into labeled envelopes, and writing up detailed and exact shopping lists, what else can I do? I will be on a fixed income and I really don't want to s***w myself over.

Answer 1

Your college may have a support group to help math phobics, etc.  My daughter was in that type of group.  It helped her lots.  Also, I would suggest teaching a skill you are having trouble with to someone else.  It helps to sort it out in your own mind.  Your budget plan sounds good to me.  Good luck.

Answer 2

I have dyscalcula and was always bouncing checks and paying overlimit fees. I finally figured out how to deal with it.

I don't write checks. I do everything by credit card or Bill Pay.

I pay as many things as possible by Bill Pay thru my bank. They automatically figure out my balance. I can't spend what I don't have. I pay the credit card thru Bill Pay with whatever is left.

If I have to write a check - I write a credit card check. That way there is no such thing as bounced checks or overdrafts.

This past year - no extra fees at all - I have a system that works!!!!

Answer 3

You should read, "The Gift of Learning" by Ron Davis.  In this book you will learn techniques that will help you!  You will need someone to help you with the exercises.  Or you may consider an 8 day program, working one on one with a facilitator.  You can go to www.dyslexia.com and find out more.  And you do not need an official diagnosis to sign up for a program, nor will you be tested if you pursue a program.

A program is catered to the individual based on a client's goals.  If budgeting is your only goal, you'll have that goal met, plus more than you could imagine!