

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

Sep 25, 2025 • 8min
Stop Worrying about Your Kid Getting Into Yale
It's no secret, college is expensive. But if you haven't looked in a few years, college has gotten really expensive, especially certain schools with a lot of name recognition and clout. Jesse has a senior in high school, so as he's been helping with the college application process, he's been pondering: is college worth it? And more importantly, is every college worth it? As Jesse balks at the eye watering price of Yale (over $100k a year now), he urges listeners to really check in with their "why" for college, get clear about their priorities, and not get caught up in the hype of prestige. Resources mentioned in this episode: The Price You Pay for College by Ron Lieber 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

14 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 7min
Money Doesn't Have to Control You
Explore the unsettling feeling of being controlled by money in everyday life. Discover insights on why many Americans feel powerless, and learn practical strategies to regain control. Find out how assigning every dollar a job can transform your financial perspective and reduce anxiety around money. Jesse emphasizes that taking charge of your finances restores personal power and alleviates money-related stress. Tune in to reclaim your financial freedom!

Sep 11, 2025 • 6min
Ever Thought About Money at 3AM?
Money shouldn't keep you up at night, and it doesn't have to! Giving every dollar a job and asking yourself five questions about what your money needs to do not only grows your bank account, it gives you peace of mind (and better sleep) 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

8 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 7min
How's That "No Buy Year" Going?
Have you ever considered a 'no buy year'? This concept aims to curb non-essential spending to save money, but its flaws come to light. Discover why purposeful spending might be a better approach. Jesse shares insight into mindful financial habits, emphasizing that effective money management means spending according to a clear plan. Learn the five essential questions to ask yourself before making any purchase. It's all about aligning your expenses with your values for a healthier financial future!

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.