New Book, Companion Workbook and Course launching Fall/Winter 2025!!!


THE DOPAMINE BUDGET ™:  Stop the "Spend Now, Cry Later" Cycle for Good!


Welcome to Unqualified Opinion

We offer blog articles, books, digital tools, courses, community & advice


Whether you need help with Finance, Neurodivergence,  Executive Function,  Relationships, Anxiety, Depression, Chronic Illness, or Spirituality...

 We aim to empower you to live a happier, healthier, safer and more confident life!


New & Featured Posts

(Our articles are 100% original material, never AI Generated)

By Dana Skalin August 1, 2025
How menopause intensifies Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, and what to do about it. Real talk, science, and support for your midlife neurodivergent brain.
By Dana Skalin July 24, 2025
Being neurodivergent or ill doesn't make someone inherently gullible, or less intelligent. Vulnerability to scams is about access, environment, and emotional context.
By Dana Skalin July 24, 2025
Why everyday tasks can sometimes feel overwhelming with ADHD and what you can do about it. Real talk, real fixes, and a little insight into my own diagnosis.
By Dana Skalin July 22, 2025
Confused about CBT vs. DBT? Learn the key differences, brain science, and how to choose the right therapy... especially for neurodivergent folks.
By Dana Skalin July 21, 2025
Your brain changed, your body’s glitching, and nobody warned you. Welcome to menopause with ADHD & chronic illness. Here’s what helps me and what might help you!
By Dana Skalin July 21, 2025
The intersection of ADHD and fibromyalgia is more common than most people realize. A place where science & lived experience meet.
By Dana Skalin July 21, 2025
Struggling to remember things with ADHD? It’s not you—it’s your working memory. Here’s why your brain blanks out and what to do about it.
a woman sitting cross-legged on the floor in black workout outfit, with hands over her belly forming
By Dana Skalin July 18, 2025
Feeling bloated, tired, or moody? Your gut is calling the shots. This sassy, science-backed guide breaks down healing your microbiome, and getting your glow back!
By Dana Skalin July 16, 2025
The only guide you will ever need to consult to fully understand how nutrition and hormones affect you during menopause and perimenopause.
By Dana Skalin July 15, 2025
Entrepreneurship is painted as a path for the bold, the tireless, and the energetic. I share my experience, lessons learned, and strategies that propel me upward.
By Dana Skalin July 13, 2025
Dyscalculia isn’t about being “bad at math” or “lazy” or “not trying hard enough.” It’s about having a brain that just processes numbers differently or not at all.
By Dana Skalin July 11, 2025
Been told you’re “too sensitive, or taking things personally”? Welcome to the club where the possibility of rejection can send your brain spiraling.
By Dana Skalin July 10, 2025
Budget-Boosting Life Tactics for Neurospicy Brains: 23 Things Worth Every Penny Because Your Financial System Should Serve Your Nervous System.
By Dana Skalin July 9, 2025
Welcome to nervous system regulation—a game-changer for anyone who’s ever felt hijacked by their own body.
a head drawn on a blackboard with various ADHD and Executive Function words coming out of the head.
By Dana Skalin July 9, 2025
A judgment-free, slightly spicy, useful breakdown of what executive function really is, why your brain might be flipping over it, and what you can do about it.
SCRABBLE TILES ON A WHITE BACKGROUND SPELLING OUT
By Dana Skalin July 9, 2025
How to Master the Art of Mindset, Self-Talk, and Mindfulness Without Becoming a Boring Zen Zombie. This isn’t your grandma’s self-help article.
man handing over a credit card to a woman who is holding a credit card POS
By Dana Skalin July 6, 2025
Let’s torch those toxic money lies. This spicy roundup of 20 common financial myths will have you saying “WTF have I been taught?”
Someone holding a jar with money and there is a post it on the jar that has
By Dana Skalin July 6, 2025
I have said it before, and I will say it again and again: It's not that neurodivergent folks are “bad with money” — it's that we are expected to navigate a financial system that doesn't jive with how our brains actually work. But that doesn’t mean we can’t totally slay our money goals — it just means we need a system that speaks fluent dopamine, not shame spirals. This mini-guide is your step-by-step walkthrough to building a budget that’s actually sustainable, even if executive function is a daily gamble and impulse control depends on how overstimulated you are. Step 1: Learn the Basics (AKA: WTF is a Budget?) Before we build a system that works for your brain, let’s decode the basics — but don’t worry, we’re skipping the jargon. A budget is just a plan for where your money goes. That’s it. It’s not a moral test. It’s not a grade on your life. It’s a tool. Think of it as your money GPS — it helps you get where you want to go financially, without driving in circles until you run out of gas (or rent money). Here’s what you need to know: Track what’s coming in (hello, income). Track what’s going out (rent, snacks, subscriptions you forgot you had). Figure out your financial goals (freedom? travel? paying off soul-sucking debt?). Separate needs from wants — but make sure dopamine gets a seat at the table too. Wants aren’t evil. They’re fuel. Once you’ve got that down, you’re ready for the fun part: turning this into something that feels good to maintain. Step 2: Name Your Expenses (a.k.a. Budget Like a Detective) Time to get nosy with your money. Grab your bank statements, your brain, and maybe a snack — this is your budgeting stakeout. Start with: Fixed expenses: Rent, insurance, internet — these don’t change much. Variable expenses: Groceries, gas, that one “emergency” Target run that somehow cost $200. Sneaky dopamine leaks: Little purchases that hit your brain's reward center but leave your budget gasping. (Looking at you, impulse DoorDash.) Now — prioritize. And no, that doesn’t mean cutting out every fun thing. It means making sure your must-haves are covered before your brain convinces you to emotionally invest in an air fryer, ten candles, and a laser keyboard. Hot Tip: Rank your expenses using three buckets: Non-negotiable survival stuff Growth + freedom investments Dopamine treats that are worth it (on purpose) You’re not depriving yourself — you’re taking the wheel. Step 3: Build Your Budget, Not Suze Orman’s Here’s where it gets personal. Neurodivergent brains need systems that are flexible, visual, forgiving, and (ideally) kind of fun. That means your budget should work with your brain, not against it. Ask yourself: Do you need visuals? (Color-coded charts, sticker rewards, tracked progress?) Do you need sensory reminders? (Journaling with gel pens? A cozy blanket budget session?) Do you need simplicity? (Like, two categories: “Money I Can Use” and “Money I Can’t Touch”?) Do you need automation because time blindness is real? (Auto-pay and savings transfers = chef’s kiss.) There’s no “right” way — there’s only what actually helps you show up consistently. Pick a method: Incremental budgeting: build slowly, focus on progress over perfection. Zero-based budget: Every dollar has a job, super strict! Envelope systems or apps: great for tactile or visual learners. 50/30/20 rules: structured but adjustable. The Dopamine Budget™ Method (hi, it’s us): reward-based, priority-driven, and guilt-free. The key: make it yours. Neurodivergent brains thrive when we’re given permission to innovate. So give yourself that permission. Step 4: Lock In the Long Game (Even If Your Brain Lives in the Now) Okay, you’ve got your budget bones — now let’s give it some staying power. Neurodivergent budgeting isn’t about bootstraps or spreadsheets. It’s about systems that reduce friction and spark motivation. Here’s how to future-proof your finances: Set dopamine-aligned goals Don’t just save for “retirement” — yawn. Save for things that light you up. A trip? A gaming console? Financial peace? Put it front and center. Track your progress — in a fun way Think sticker charts, color-coded graphs, or a “money wins” jar. Celebrate every step. Automate what you can We love a good routine because we forget things. Automate savings, bills, and transfers so you don’t have to remember (or panic at 2 a.m.). Check in regularly — without judgment Treat it like a vibe check, not a performance review. “What’s working? What’s not? What do I need this month?” Find your support system That could be a money coach, a therapist who gets executive dysfunction, or even a friend who’ll cheer you on after paying off your phone bill. Budgeting Isn’t a Personality Test — It’s a Power Move By understanding the basics, getting honest with your expenses, creating a plan that’s actually human hello sensory needs), and committing to strategies that spark consistency — you’re not just managing money. You’re taking back control of your narrative. Budgeting doesn’t have to be boring, rigid, or shaming. It can be dopamine-fueled, rebellious, and low-key delightful. So ditch the guilt. Set the goal. Make it yours. Need more help? In August 2025, I am launching: Financially Fluent AF™: Money Truths That’ll Save Your Sanity This self-paced, no-BS neurodivergent-friendly, no-shame-needed-course, breaks down 20 foundational money truths in a way that’s finally clear, empowering, and actually fun. We skip the jargon and go straight for the glow-up. Course includes life-time access to all modules, digital downloads, quizzes, and trackers. Sign up for free to Unqualified Opinion here and be the first to know when doors open!!
a fun coloured box with two plush smiley faces popping out
By Dana Skalin July 3, 2025
Struggling with budgeting? This 8-step Dopamine Budget™ strategy is designed for ADHD & neurodivergent brains—flexible, fun, and shame-free.
a blue piggy bank with a hand about to insert a coin
By Dana Skalin July 3, 2025
Money shame isn’t your fault—it’s in your nervous system. Learn how to spot and rewrite harmful financial beliefs with this neurodivergent-friendly guide.
woman sitting in neutral clothing, playing with an abacus
By Dana Skalin July 3, 2025
Budgeting with ADHD or executive dysfunction? Learn why traditional money tips don’t work and how to build a dopamine-powered system that actually does.
fire burning on a black background
By Dana Skalin April 19, 2025
Are you living your life in fear of ending up in Hell? You don't need to. Hell does not exist. I will help you to live your life in love, instead of fear.
woman sitting at a table with knees up, typing on laptop. book, coffee and flowers on table
By Dana Skalin April 14, 2025
Still getting someone else to do your taxes? Unless your taxes are very complicated, you can do it yourself!
a woman sleeping peacefully in bed, laying her head and arm on the pilow.
By Dana Skalin April 13, 2025
If you and your partner are having difficulties sleeping in bed together and it's leading to resentment or a possible break up, a "sleep divorce" could save you!
By Dana Skalin April 7, 2025
Have ADHD and struggling? Read this, it will change your life!
By Dana Skalin April 7, 2025
So you suspect you or someone you love might have ADHD? Here is how to get a diagnosis.
By Dana Skalin April 7, 2025
For decades, girls and women with ADHD went undiagnosed and suffered. The medical community has caught up, and we now know what to look for.
By Dana Skalin April 7, 2025
A diagnosis of fibromyalgia does not need to be a death sentence. You do not need to live your life in pain. There are treatment options available.
By Dana Skalin March 27, 2025
If you think you are going to succeed, you probably will. And if you think you won't, you probably won't.
man sitting in front of water with hands on his head, looking distressed
By Dana Skalin March 21, 2025
Parents, siblings, bosses, coworkers... they are all just people. In order to be happier, recognize that everyone has problems, flaws. No one is perfect!
A rosary with prayer hands overtop
By Dana Skalin March 19, 2025
Can you believe in God without being religious? A modern approach to spirituality rather than following a man-made religious text?
several children on grass, in line, playing with a rope ladder laid on the ground.
By Dana Skalin March 12, 2025
I never wanted kids. Most people shouldn't have kids. They just want a mini-me and don't commit to the actual parenting part.
hands holding up a sign that says what are you thankful for, handwritten on a whiteboard in black.
By Dana Skalin March 12, 2025
If you aren't grateful for the bad things that happen to you, if you don't learn from those instances, you will never experience true happiness.
a man sitting calmly on a bench while an angry woman hunches over, pointing her finger and yelling.
By Dana Skalin March 11, 2025
Stand up for yourself. Just because someone is "family" doesn't mean you should keep forgiving their toxic behaviour or putting up with their bullshit.

Alata

Alice

Open Sans

Noto Sans

Bebas Neue

Great Vibes

Rock Salt

Exo

Belgrano

Overlock

Cinzel

Indie Flower

Staatliches

Roboto Slab

Lato

Noto Serif

Open Sans

Montserrat

Ubuntu

Rubik

Delius

Amiri

Montserrat