

Budget Nerds
You Need a Budget
Personal finance experts Ben Barlowe and Ernie Reppe get nerdy with numbers as they share budgeting tips, strategies for categorizing transactions, and lessons learned from using the revolutionary budgeting system known as You Need a Budget.
Episodes
Mentioned books

4 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 45min
The Weirdest Categories We’ve Ever Seen (and Loved)
Dive into the delightfully bizarre world of budgeting as the hosts share unique categories like 'drag show tipping' and 'twinkle funds.' Enjoy hilarious tales that reveal personal connections to financial habits, and laugh along with quirky entries like yacht subscriptions. The playful debate over hydration preferences adds a refreshing twist, while fond memories from state fairs bring warmth to the conversation. They even tackle dark humor in budgeting, showing how laughter makes financial planning more enjoyable.

5 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 1h 3min
#120 - Your Categories Are Not Alone! The New YNAB Templates
Feeling overwhelmed by budgeting? Discover the magic of YNAB templates! They offer preloaded categories for everything from vacations to renovating your kitchen. Personal anecdotes reveal how these templates can simplify your planning. Hear about the importance of detailed budgeting for memorable trips, along with insights on finding joy in financial preparedness. Plus, learn how these tools support various life stages, from getting a new pet to planning for retirement. It's budgeting made fun and easy!

10 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 1h 15min
#119 - Lauren's YNAB Categories (PLUS How She Breaks the Multi-Currency Rules)
Join Ben and Ernie as they chat with Lauren, an expat in South Korea, about her creative approach to budgeting in two currencies. Discover her unique strategy of maintaining one budgeting plan while navigating USD and Korean Yuan fluctuations. Hear insights on evolving budgeting strategies over 15 years, the fun of blending cultural traditions, and practical tips for managing expenses abroad. From personal development to humor in food culture, this conversation is packed with useful tips for anyone handling finances in a global environment.

10 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 1h 16min
#118 - Getting the Most Out of YNAB
Discover how to maximize the power of YNAB to gain financial control and enhance your budgeting skills. Learn about scheduled transactions for efficient expense management and the benefits of handling recurring bills. Explore the flexibility of financial targets and rolling averages for accurate budgeting. Dive into real-time tracking of family expenses and effective loan management techniques. Personal stories highlight the transformative impact of mastering budgeting tools and strategies for financial clarity.

12 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 1h 8min
#117 - Ben and Ernie Fight!
Get ready for a lively debate as two hosts face off in a 12-round YNAB showdown! They hilariously discuss the relevance of emojis in budgeting, weigh the pros and cons of linking financial accounts, and explore the classic manual versus automated budgeting battle. Discover their thoughts on budget assignment strategies and the ongoing struggle between YNAB and spreadsheets. The conversation is filled with personal anecdotes, playful banter, and tips on mastering budgeting for financial success!

29 snips
May 21, 2025 • 1h 6min
#116 - YNAB's Future Vision with CEO Todd Curtis
Todd Curtis, CEO of YNAB and a dedicated user since 2008, shares his journey from beta tester to leader of the budgeting platform. He discusses the evolution of YNAB's philosophy towards planning and the significance of new features that simplify budgeting for users. Todd highlights the concept of 'Spendfulness' and the innovative approaches YNAB is taking to enhance financial management, making it a more positive experience. He also reveals insights into user feedback shaping the app's future and how personal values can transform budgeting.

15 snips
May 7, 2025 • 1h 13min
#115 - How Heidi Overcame ADHD and Money Mistakes with YNAB
Heidi shares her journey of managing finances with ADHD, revealing her struggles with impulsive spending and variable income. The transformative power of the YNAB method shines through as she explains how it provided structure and clarity. She deliciously coined the term 'ADHD tax'—a safety net that allows for controlled impulsiveness in budgeting. The conversation delves into the benefits of community support in financial literacy and highlights the emotional security achieved through thoughtful spending. Tune in for practical strategies and personal insights!

9 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 47min
#114 - How to Handle a Windfall
Unexpected financial windfalls can be both thrilling and overwhelming. The hosts discuss the concept of windfalls, from minor bonuses to substantial inheritances, and the importance of thoughtful planning in managing these gains. They explore the emotional challenges that come with sudden wealth, advocating for reflective decision-making before spending. Budgeting strategies from the YNAB method offer practical guidance, emphasizing intentional spending on both immediate pleasures and long-term goals. Personal anecdotes illustrate the balance between enjoying windfalls and maintaining financial discipline.

Apr 9, 2025 • 53min
#113 - How to Pay Off Debt The YNAB Way
Discover a refreshing approach to debt repayment that prioritizes sustainability and motivation. The hosts tackle the emotional hurdles of managing loans and the significance of understanding your personal debts. They emphasize budgeting essentials before aggressive debt strategies, and highlight the importance of embracing savings alongside debt. With techniques like the snowball and avalanche methods, listeners gain insights into personalized budgeting tools and success stories, all while keeping financial management enjoyable and stress-free!

Mar 29, 2025 • 1h 2min
#112 - Ben and Ernie Fix a Messy Budget! (YouTube Livestream Replay)
Join Ben and Ernie as they tackle a chaotic budget live, emphasizing teamwork in financial planning. They revisit success stories of paying off debts while dreaming of family vacations. Discover budgeting strategies for new parents, and learn how to reconcile discrepancies with ease. The hosts share personal anecdotes about managing credit card complexities, highlighting the importance of accurate expense tracking. Plus, they discuss the benefits of flexible budgeting and promote an exciting upcoming FanFest event!