Budget Nerds

#109 - Don't Make These Common YNAB Mistakes!

Feb 12, 2025

Discover the common pitfalls that new YNAB users often face. The hosts dissect the cycle of reactive budgeting and stress the importance of proactive financial management. They emphasize the significance of every dollar’s role in your budget and offer practical tips for effective tracking. Personal stories reveal the joys of financial stability, while a listener celebrates paying off a student loan through smart budgeting. Tune in for insights on navigating the psychological challenges of budgeting and finding joy in the journey!

01:04:30

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Quick takeaways

Understanding YNAB's unique budgeting methodology and its four rules is essential for effective usage and budgeting success.

New users often get sidetracked by perfecting categories instead of focusing on assigning money where it truly matters.

Properly incorporating savings accounts as budget roles helps clarify financial goals and improves overall decision-making in budgeting.

Deep dives

Upcoming FanFest Event

An invitation to FanFest in San Diego on April 26, 2025, highlights the opportunity to join fellow budget enthusiasts. Attendees can meet various personalities, including those from other budgeting platforms and the YNAB team. The event promises engaging panel discussions, food, giveaways, and merchandise. Early bird pricing is available until March 3, 2025, encouraging attendees to secure their tickets at a discounted rate.

Intro

2min

Mastering YNAB: Building a Budgeting Mindset

15min

Mastering Dollar Assignments in Budgeting

17min

Finding Joy in Everyday Parenting Adventures

2min

Facing Financial Realities

20min

Understanding the Pitfalls of Reactive Budgeting

3min

Finding Financial Stability Through Personal Stories and Dog Moments

3min

Celebrating Financial Wins: Student Loan Paid Off!

2min

YNAB is an incredible tool for learning to love how you spend, but it does come with a learning curve. Ben and Ernie have taught thousands of folks how to use YNAB, and throughout their years working with newcomers a handful of common mistakes occur again and again. In today's episode, Ben and Ernie outline seven mistakes people make in YNAB, and how to avoid them.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

https://www.ynab.com/blog/common-money-mistakes

Get your tickets to YNAB Fan Fest 2025! Coming to San Diego, Minneapolis, and NYC. Tickets are ON SALE NOW:

YNAB.com/events

Follow Budget Nerds on YouTube

Budget Nerds Livestreams: https://www.youtube.com/@YNABofficial/streams

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Share your YNAB wins with Ben and Ernie!

budgetnerds@ynab.com

Get your tickets to YNAB Fan Fest 2025! Coming to San Diego, Minneapolis, and NYC. Tickets are ON SALE NOW:

YNAB.com/events