
The Jesse Mecham Show
Money shouldn’t be this hard - and it isn’t! Join YNAB founder Jesse Mecham each week as he dives into spendfulness, a mindset that will help you stop second-guessing, spend more confidently, and live the life you want.
Latest episodes

Apr 24, 2025 • 9min
How to Be Spendful When the World Is on Fire
Explore the art of purposeful spending in a chaotic world, learning to adapt financial strategies to navigate uncertainty. Discover how tools like YNAB empower you to take control of your money while fostering a balanced mindset. Emphasize the importance of saving with intent, and find practical tips for managing overwhelming news. Plus, engage in 'parlor time' to strengthen family bonds amidst the chaos. Unravel new ways to create peace and connection with your finances!

21 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 6min
Delete Your Emergency Fund
Emergency funds are often seen as a safety net, but they can be vague and unproductive. Instead of just setting aside money for unknown events, you can assign specific jobs to your savings for greater clarity. By planning for predictable expenses like roof repairs or car maintenance, you create a more effective financial strategy. Rethinking your emergency fund allows for improved emotional management and empowers you to spend with confidence. It's time to consider trimming down those vague savings!

6 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 8min
Are Your Savings Making You Stingy?
Explore the balance between saving and spending in your financial life. Discover how amassing savings without purpose can backfire, illustrated through a wedding anecdote. Learn why having a clear plan for your money is essential, whether for immediate needs or long-term goals. The discussion emphasizes giving every dollar a job and fostering a dialogue between your present and future selves to enhance your financial decision-making.

24 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 6min
Stop Budgeting Dollars You Don't Have
Learn how to budget effectively by focusing only on the money you currently have. The principle of 'giving every dollar a job' simplifies your financial decisions and helps avoid the pitfalls of planning for money that isn't in your pocket yet. Discover the power of 'spendfulness' and how it fosters clearer spending habits. This approach not only enhances decision-making skills but also builds financial confidence, leading to a more secure bank account. Simplicity is key to achieving financial clarity!

11 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 6min
Am I Spendy or Spendful?
Jesse shares a relatable story about a couple's dilemma over a pricey piece of gym equipment. Their initial reaction was that it felt 'spendy,' but with further reflection, they questioned if it could be considered 'spendful.' The discussion highlights the importance of having a financial plan to navigate spending decisions. Jesse introduces five key questions to help listeners align their purchases with their values and goals, encouraging more intentional and mindful spending.

Mar 20, 2025 • 12min
These 5 Questions Will Rewrite Your Financial Future
YNAB only has one "rule" for managing your money, and that's to give every dollar a job. This is easier said than done, however, so to help with this task, Jesse presents 5 questions to clarify what you want to do with your money: Reality: What does this money need to do before I’m paid again? Stability: What larger, less frequent spending do I need to prepare for? Resilience: What can I set aside for next month’s spending? Creation: What goals, large or small, do I want to prioritize? Flexibility: What changes do I need to make, if any? Watch The Jesse Mecham Show on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jessemechamshow Got a question for Jesse? Send him an email: askjesse@ynab.com Sign up for a free 34-day trial of YNAB at www.youneedabudget.com Follow YNAB on social media: Facebook: @ynabofficial Instagram: @ynab.official Twitter/X: @ynab Tik Tok: @ynabofficial Tickets to YNAB Fan Fest 2025 are on sale now! Coming to San Diego, Minneapolis, and NYC: YNAB.com/events

Mar 13, 2025 • 7min
You're Already Talking to Your Kids About Money
You've heard the term "monkey see, monkey do," and it's true of kids and money too -- and probably not in the ways you expect! Jesse shares a couple lessons about kids and money he's learned from parenting seven children, and how kids often learn as much or more from the things you do with your money rather than what you say about money. What you say matters too, however! The main takeaway is to be thoughtful about how you engage with money, becuase your kids are listening (and watching). Watch The Jesse Mecham Show on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jessemechamshow Got a question for Jesse? Send him an email: askjesse@ynab.com Sign up for a free 34-day trial of YNAB at www.youneedabudget.com Follow YNAB on social media: Facebook: @ynabofficial Instagram: @ynab.official Twitter/X: @ynab Tik Tok: @ynabofficial Tickets to YNAB Fan Fest 2025 are on sale now! Coming to San Diego, Minneapolis, and NYC: YNAB.com/events

7 snips
Mar 6, 2025 • 7min
I Regret Paying Off My Mortgage
At 25, the host aspired to own a paid-off home by 30, believing it would offer security and freedom. However, achieving this goal led to unexpected regrets, as he realized the mortgage was just another bill. He discusses the surprising lack of satisfaction from being mortgage-free and suggests that investing those payments could have yielded better returns. The conversation emphasizes the emotional versus mathematical aspects of financial decisions, highlighting the importance of reflecting on both before committing to big goals.

11 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 5min
Your Money = You
Dive into a fresh perspective on money, viewing it as a medium of energy rather than just a currency. Discover how your spending habits can reflect your true self and personal values. The concept of 'spendfulness' encourages mindful spending, aiming to enhance contentment and lessen guilt associated with purchases. Learn to align your financial choices with who you are, transforming money into a true expression of your identity!

23 snips
Feb 24, 2025 • 24min
Ask Jesse: 2025 Edition Part Drei
Jesse answers listener questions about budgeting and spending philosophies. He dives into the significance of durable kitchen appliances, sharing insights on brand loyalty and waste. Discussions reveal the practicality of essentials like the Instapot and Breville immersion blender. Plus, a sneak peek into an upcoming format change promises more succinct episodes. Don't miss out on the exciting events coming up in 2025!
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