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!

In today's episode, Ben and Ernie are joined by Dave from YNAB, a YNAB teacher and contributor to many YNAB articles and blogs and a master of money analogies! Dave discovered YNAB while deeply in debt and making a move across the Atlantic. He saw the wisdom and value of the YNAB method quickly, however, and steadily worked himself out of debt over an eight year period. Along the way, he learend many lessons about sustainability and resilience -- learning to balance his priorities of enjoying life now and becoming debt free, while creating a buffer for unexpected expenses so they didn't put him further in debt. Two steps forward, three steps back, as Dave says.   When the YNAB team landed on the word "spendfulness" to describe this state of alignment with your money, it instantly struck a chord for Dave. The YNAB method, which for many years was represented by four rules, always really boiled down to one rule, the first one: give every dollar a job. There was always something special about Rule One, he points out. The problem was, the rules didn't fully explain the method in and of themselves. When Dave would run workshops, "embrace your true expenses" (Rule Two) was typically followed by the quesiton: what's a true expense? After spending so much time explaining and clarifying the rules, it became clear that YNAB needed a different way to explain what made it different from traditional budgeting advice.   Dave explains why spendfulness is such an important concept, and how the Four Rules have been transformed into 5 Questions which clarify the only rule that ever mattered: giving every dollar a job.     Follow Budget Nerds on YouTube Budget Nerds Livestreams: https://www.youtube.com/@YNABofficial/streams Budget Nerds Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuIUGmbCDklkDCDm-cQqv2g   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

Starting your budgeting journey can feel daunting, but it doesn't have to start at the month's beginning. Discover how to reframe your mindset about money while overcoming the fear of budgeting. Learn the importance of creating guilt-free spending categories that align with your values. Plus, hear an inspiring story of someone who moved states and changed their financial lifestyle. Embrace the joys of budgeting and take those small steps toward mastering your finances today!

Happy New Year! The hosts celebrate by introducing a new concept: spendfulness, blending mindfulness with budgeting. They discuss the evolution of their financial philosophy, emphasizing aligning spending with personal values. The grain silo analogy highlights the need for structured financial planning, while the five questions framework helps clarify priorities. They delve into strategies for managing unexpected income and maintaining budgeting joy. Personal anecdotes illustrate how thoughtful budgeting fosters clarity and contentment in financial lifestyles.

Exciting updates are coming to the YNAB method, and the hosts are eager to share them! They discuss the importance of developing financial habits that promote mindful spending, known as spendfulness. Plus, there's an invitation for listeners to get involved and share their own YNAB victories. Fans can also look forward to YNAB Fan Fest 2025, with events in major cities like San Diego, Minneapolis, and NYC. Don't miss out on the shifts happening in the budgeting community!

Join the celebration of financial victories from YNAB fans in Salt Lake City! Hear inspiring stories of Tisha's journey from paycheck-to-paycheck to paying off her student loans. Katy shares how she navigated her acting career's ups and downs in LA using smart budgeting. Learn how YNAB helped her tackle challenges like a stolen car with organized records. The communal atmosphere invites future attendees to connect, share experiences, and celebrate budgeting wins with others passionate about financial freedom.

Life throws curveballs, and financial setbacks are just part of the ride. The hosts share personal stories of unexpected tax issues, medical expenses, and pet costs that spiral out of control. They emphasize resilience in the face of these challenges while offering practical strategies for adjusting budgets. Listeners can learn the importance of flexibility in financial planning and how to set achievable short-term goals. Heartfelt success stories highlight how effective budgeting can empower individuals to regain control over their finances.

Explore the quirky side of budgeting as YNAB users share their funny habits. From swiping their cards multiple times at stores to amusingly rationing toilet paper, the anecdotes reveal the silly lengths people go to manage their finances. The upcoming YNAB FanFest 2025 adds a sense of community spirit, while personal tales highlight the blend of humor and challenges behind strict budgeting. Embrace the lighter side of financial management with entertaining stories that remind us all that budgeting doesn't have to be boring!

Join Ben and Ernie as they tackle a chaotic budget, guiding listeners through the messy world of financial management. They emphasize the importance of reconciling accounts before diving into spending plans. Discover tips for categorizing transactions, especially with credit cards, to avoid confusion. Learn practical steps for streamlining bank reconciliations and simplifying multiple accounts. Catch personal anecdotes and successes that spotlight the benefits of a clean slate in budgeting. It's a fun, interactive journey toward financial clarity!

Join the hosts as they dive into exciting new features of YNAB, including universal direct import capabilities. Discover strategies for embracing a fresh budgeting start and learn how to navigate financial partnerships effectively. The discussion highlights the importance of aligning financial goals with personal values and explores the intriguing concept of the 'age of money.' Engage with budgeting success stories from FanFest as they encourage viewers to rethink their financial habits. Get tips for intentional spending and proactive planning!