Conversations with Vanessa Dean

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Dean

Vanessa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As a homeschooling mom of four, I found myself slowly disappearing into the daily grind. I love my kids—but I needed something that was mine. Starting a business gave me purpose again. Helping other women? That’s the part that lights me up.

Before all this, I worked in biomedical engineering, fixing medical equipment. But everything changed when one of my sons was diagnosed with ADHD. That moment sent me down a rabbit hole of research. I kept running into the same discouraging stats about ADHD and money—impulsive spending, debt cycles, lack of financial stability. Those numbers stuck with me. They sat in the back of my mind as I raised kids, managed my household, and eventually trained as a financial coach.

After completing Dave Ramsey’s Master Coach Training, I knew exactly who I was called to serve: women with ADHD. I’ve been in that place—overwhelmed by money, not knowing where to start, wondering if I was ever going to “get it together.”

Now, I offer 1:1 coaching for women who are tired of the financial chaos and ready for clarity. I’m also building out my group coaching membership and my signature course, Mastering Impulsive Shopping, both launching in Summer 2025.

My story isn’t one of being naturally good with money. My husband and I were once on WIC, buried under $24K of debt. We built a plan, stuck to it, and paid it off in just 14 months. That experience didn’t just give us freedom—it gave me the foundation to create systems that actually work for the ADHD brain.

I’m not interested in cookie-cutter advice or shame-based money talk. I know that traditional methods don’t always work for neurodivergent women. So, I’ve built something different – something flexible, compassionate, and effective. This business may not look like everyone else’s, but it’s growing, it’s changing lives, and it’s proof that there is a better way

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The hardest part of building this business? Knowing the next step. I’ve had to figure it out piece by piece. Thankfully, I’ve had support—my husband is my sounding board, and my kids don’t let me quit. I’ve also invested in my growth: I’ve completed the Financial Coach Network Launch program, earned my Financial Counselor certificate, completed over 180 hours of ADHD training, and am currently working toward my ICF Coach certification.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What do you do?
I help women with ADHD calm their financial chaos so they can focus on the things that truly matter. Together, we shift from financial overwhelm to clarity, using systems that actually work with how your brain functions.

What do you specialize in?
I specialize in impulsive spending, budgeting, and creating ADHD-friendly tools to manage both finances and life. I bring practical strategies that are simple, sustainable, and designed with the ADHD brain in mind.

What are you known for?
Clients say I’m kind, patient, thorough, and professional. They leave with a whole new mindset around money and systems that finally make sense. The time we spend together is described as invaluable — not just because of the strategies, but because they feel truly seen and supported.

What are you most proud of?
So many things — from hearing a client tell their child, “We have to check the budget first,” to watching women finally feel in control of their money. I’m also proud of my own growth: continuing my education to be the best coach I can be, and learning how to be coachable myself.

What sets you apart from others?
I have ADHD. I know exactly what it’s like to have a stack of bills on the counter, an empty bank account, and more month left to go. I understand time blindness, how easy it is to spend everything at the start of the pay cycle, and how impossible it feels to save what’s “left” — because let’s be honest, nothing’s left. I’ve lived through the weight of debt and the cycle of impulsive shopping. That’s why I coach the way I do — with empathy, strategy, and no shame.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I’d say yes, I’m a risk-taker — not because I chase danger, but because I see risk as a new adventure. And I love a good adventure. Homeschooling my kids has been one of the biggest risks I’ve taken — their entire education is in my hands, which is scary. But it’s also deeply rewarding, especially when I get to see my son light up doing kitchen experiments or watch them grow in ways I never expected.

In business, I’ve taken risks like investing in coaching and tools that haven’t always paid off the way I hoped. That part can be frustrating — especially when it’s big money. I’m currently sitting with one of those “not yet” decisions because the financial piece doesn’t feel aligned right now. So while I’m willing to take a leap, I don’t do it blindly. I talk it out with my husband, I pray about it, and I wait for clarity. God always lets me know.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned — thanks to my military training — is that sometimes we make the wrong decision. But that’s not the end. We pivot, we adjust, and we keep moving forward. Even if it made things more challenging, there’s always a lesson in it. You just have to look for it

Pricing:

• $1499 paid up front for the 12 week program.
• $550 for 12 week program paid monthly
• $179 for 90 minute session
• FREE discovery call

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vanessamdean.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessa_dean_adhd_money_coach/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068231148573
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-dean-378347312
• Other: https://tidycal.com/1xjwe93/discovery-call