

The Jesse Mecham Show
Jesse Mecham
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

18 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 6min
Run Your Money Like a Football Team
As football season approaches, the discussion draws parallels between coaching sports teams and managing finances. Learn to assign your dollars specific roles to maximize their effectiveness. By creating a financial playbook, you can navigate challenges and prioritize your spending. Discover strategies to organize your money like a well-coached team, turning financial confusion into clarity and confidence.

10 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 7min
Why Is It So Freaking Hard to Save Money? (And How to Make It Easier)
Saving money often feels like a chore compared to the thrill of spending. The psychology behind financial behavior reveals that many people struggle with saving rather than overspending. Reframing savings as future spending makes it more appealing. By assigning every dollar a job, you can visualize your savings and make financial goals concrete. This approach turns saving into a meaningful part of your financial journey, transforming it from a dreaded task into an exciting plan for the future.

10 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 8min
It's OK to Move Your Goalposts
Discover how our relationship with money evolves over time as the 'goalposts' shift. Reflect on the journey of financial choices, where early sacrifices transform into aspirations for a comfortable lifestyle. Embrace the idea that it's okay to indulge in better living conditions as your finances improve. This conversation emphasizes aligning spending with personal values, and challenges the negative perception of lifestyle changes—encouraging listeners to appreciate their financial growth.

9 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 7min
Change Your Plan, Today!
Dive into the world of personal finance where flexibility reigns supreme! Discover the value of actively engaging with your budgeting tool and learn how small changes can lead to significant improvements. Jesse shares insightful personal stories that highlight the power of recognizing discrepancies in your savings. Explore the idea that every financial plan is negotiable, encouraging you to rethink your strategies for more intentional spending. Embrace change as a path to financial empowerment!

16 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 7min
Can You Afford to Make Mistakes?
Mistakes can be daunting, especially in high-stakes situations like flying. Jesse emphasizes that error correction is a key aspect of intelligence, showing how we learn through our missteps. He reassures listeners that making financial errors is not a failure but a crucial part of personal growth. The discussion highlights how embracing mistakes in money management leads to flexibility and clarity. By asking the right questions, you can navigate your financial journey more effectively and enjoy a more fulfilling relationship with your spending.

16 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 6min
Why Buy Now, Pay Later is the WORST Way to Spend
The discussion critiques buy now, pay later schemes, highlighting how they cloud true spending clarity. It reveals the pitfalls of these plans that encourage unnecessary debt instead of mindful financial decisions. The host emphasizes the importance of conscious spending and having a clear budget. Rather than delaying payments, he advocates for giving dollars specific jobs and making informed purchase choices. The conversation ultimately champions clarity and intentionality in managing money.

Jul 17, 2025 • 8min
These 5 Simple Questions Beat Your Spreadsheet
Making financial decisions is often more complex than just crunching numbers. The podcast explores how emotions play a pivotal role in our money choices, rather than relying solely on rational analysis. Listeners are introduced to five thought-provoking questions that encourage deeper self-reflection about spending habits, combining both emotional and rational perspectives. Through real-life examples, the conversation emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach, leading to what is termed 'spendfulness' in managing money.

20 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 6min
You Can Stop Second Guessing with Money
Discover how mastering your spending can alleviate money-related stress. Learn about giving every dollar a purpose to align your finances with your priorities. Delve into the psychological toll of second guessing your purchases and find freedom in confident spending. The discussion highlights essential questions that help clarify financial decisions, empowering a 'spendful' approach. Plus, hear about the lighter side of financial regrets with anecdotes like the GE upright freezer that remind us it's okay to make choices!

4 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 5min
Fan Fest Reflections: Spendfulness Is About More Than Just Stuff
Jesse shares insights from Fan Fest, emphasizing the concept of spendfulness. It’s not just about material purchases; it's about mindful financial decisions that lead to personal growth. Spending can liberate us to pursue exciting new ventures or career changes. The discussion highlights how understanding our financial needs can empower us to take valuable risks without fear.

18 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 10min
We Stopped Eating Out for Three Months. The Result Was Interesting...
A family's culinary adventure takes a twist as they transition from dining out in Manhattan to a 90-day food challenge at home. They discover that their dining priorities shift when they focus on meaningful experiences rather than average meals. The exploration leads to insights about the financial benefits of reducing restaurant visits and the realization that everyday dining may not be as rewarding as once thought. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own eating habits and consider trying something different.