The YNAB Podcast

I Am Not Even a Little Bit Frugal. Here's Why

Dec 2, 2024

Jesse shares his journey from a frugal upbringing to a new approach that embraces purposeful spending. He emphasizes that frugality often overlooks the joy of investing in what truly matters. With YNAB's four rules, he encourages listeners to double down on personal values rather than scrimping. Money, he argues, should reflect one’s identity, not just a tool for saving. The discussion also hints at the excitement for the upcoming YNAB FanFest, highlighting the importance of community in financial growth.

03:30

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Quick takeaways

Recognizing personal values in spending, rather than adhering to frugality, allows for more meaningful financial decisions and joy in purchases.

Participating in community events like YNAB FanFest fosters connections and support among individuals pursuing similar financial goals and philosophies.

Deep dives

The Importance of Community and Connection

Attending events where like-minded individuals gather can enhance motivation and support for personal goals. The upcoming YNAB FanFest tour aims to foster this sense of community, featuring all-day events with keynotes, panels, and interactive discussions. These gatherings provide opportunities to meet YNAB personalities and fellow enthusiasts who understand the principles of purposeful spending. By participating in such events, individuals can connect with others who share their financial journey, making the experience more enriching and motivating.

Embracing Purposeful Spending Over Frugality

5min

Jesse grew up in a frugal family -- frugality for frugality's sake, as he describes it. As he has grown, discovered the YNAB method, and worked the four rules, he has come to a conclusion -- he is not even a little frugal! Frugality implies thrift, spending little money so as to conserve the resource. The idea is that spending money frugally is an effort to not waste money.

YNAB's four rules help you identify the things that matter in your life, however, the things you do want to spend money on. And once you have identified those things, Jesse challenges you to double down and spend more on the things that matter to you. As he has mentioned in other episodes, money is just an extension of you, and if money is you, then why would you want less of you in the world?

So Jesse is not frugal. Not even a little bit!

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

YNAB.com/events

Got a question for Jesse? Send him an email:

askjesse@ynab.com

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