Budget Nerds

Ben and Ernie dive into the chaotic world of budgeting as they prepare for a live challenge to fix a messy YNAB budget. Reflecting on previous successes, they entice listeners to join the interactive experience. This engaging session promises laughs and insights, perfect for anyone looking to tame their finances. Don't miss the chance to see the magic unfold on YouTube!

Dive into the world of budgeting with fascinating insights on establishing a strong financial routine. Discover how daily practices and monthly check-ins enhance accountability and foster teamwork in financial planning. Get tips on handling unexpected costs like battery expenses and learn about strategies for effective paycheck assignments. Laugh along as couples share their humorous budgeting dynamics and celebrate the joy of starting fresh each year with a revamped financial plan. It's all about mastering your money and celebrating those wins!

It's a common question for those not already committed to YNAB: is it really worth it? I mean, paying for a budgeting software? It's a legitimate question, and you can probably guess where Ben and Ernie land on answering it (of course!). Today Ben and Ernie don't want to offer their opinions on why YNAB is worth it, they want to share some cold hard facts from a recent study the YNAB marketing team conducted on YNAB user behavior.   What they found was a clear quantitative reason to sign up for YNAB: the average user saves $600 in their first month of using the YNAB. That's nearly six times the annual cost of YNAB, saved in just the first month. The numerical arguments for using YNAB are some of the least convincing, however. The qualitative benefits of using YNAB are positively inspiring! Ben and Ernie walk through a number of statistics demonstrating how YNAB'ers have improved their quality of life, from feeling less stressed, arguing less with their spouse, and actually feeling good about spending their money.     Try YNAB FREE for 34 days, and start working on that $600 savings: https://www.ynab.com/nerds     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

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.