
Budget Nerds
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.
Latest episodes

Aug 21, 2024 • 49min
#97 - What If YNAB Paid You to Use It? And Other Sketchy Ideas from Ben Markley (Sketchy Advice)
Ben Markley, host of YNAB's Sketchy Advice series, brings his unique flair for financial wisdom to the discussion. He explores the playful side of budgeting, advocating for guilt-free latte purchases and using YNAB as a quirky gift card system. Markley also proposes that budgeting can incentivize household chores, making responsibilities fun with assigned values. The conversation dives into the joy of tabletop gaming costs and the psychology of spending, emphasizing how creativity can transform money management from a chore into a delightful experience.

Aug 7, 2024 • 51min
#96 - Ask the Nerds: Grab Bag Edition
Ben and Ernie tackle a variety of intriguing budgeting questions! They discuss the quirky concept of the 'matchy matchy game' and why it complicates things unnecessarily. Strategies for teaching kids about budgeting are explored, along with adapting financial plans as children grow. The importance of simplifying budget categories is highlighted, alongside the financial realities of raising independent kids. They emphasize the need for flexibility in financial goals while ensuring a healthy balance between investments and savings.

Jul 24, 2024 • 1h 32min
#95 - Managing Variable Income as a Busy Graduate Student: Jasmin Green, PhD Student UC Davis
Jasmin Green, PhD student at UC Davis, shares insights on managing variable income in grad school with YNAB. Topics include budget categories, financial priorities, credit card management, rent expenses, bill organization strategies, and the benefits of budgeting for non-monthly expenses.

Jul 10, 2024 • 44min
#94 - How Does It Feel to Be a Month Ahead? Budget Nerds Weigh In
Learn how being a month ahead in budgeting alleviates stress and anxiety for YNAB users. Discover the benefits of financial stability, reduced mental load, and freedom to make decisions with confidence. Hear personal stories of empowerment and peace of mind achieved through this financial milestone.

Jun 26, 2024 • 36min
#93 - Dream Bigger Than Your Bills!
Erin Lowell from YNAB encourages listeners to dream beyond paying bills, emphasizing the thrill of financial freedom. The podcast discusses breaking free from car payments, mortgages, holding onto money for options, building confidence in decision making, and YNAB's impact on personal growth.

Jun 12, 2024 • 37min
#92 - Are You Doing YNAB? Tracking Expenses vs YNABing
Discover the difference between simply tracking expenses and using the YNAB method. Learn how the Four Rules of YNAB can help you make better financial decisions. Explore the benefits of assigning money to future expenses and the importance of proactive budgeting.

23 snips
May 29, 2024 • 1h 10min
#91 - Windfalls, Learning to Invest, and YNAB 4: Jeremy Schneider of Personal Finance Club
Entrepreneur turned personal finance teacher Jeremy Schneider shares his journey from frugality to multimillionaire status. He discusses simplifying finances, managing windfalls, evolving budget categories, efficient expense tracking, and the importance of financial freedom. The episode also touches on challenges of moving heavy appliances, using emojis for budgeting, passive investing, and a new transparent financial advising platform.

May 15, 2024 • 1h 3min
#90 - YNAB Mega Wins: Round Two
Ben and Ernie open their inboxes for another mega round of YNAB wins -- stories from YNAB users about positive outcomes, reduced stress, and newfound confidence with their money. In today's mega episode, they have broken up the wins into several themes: Partner wins Gaining control Getting a month ahead Paying down debt Clarity Stress reduction Building confidence Simplifying Priorities Saving Share your YNAB wins with Ben and Ernie! budgetnerds@ynab.com Follow Budget Nerds on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuIUGmbCDklkDCDm-cQqv2g

13 snips
May 1, 2024 • 36min
#89 - Find the Money First
In this podcast, the hosts discuss the concept of 'Find the Money First' in budgeting, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing financial decisions and avoiding impulse purchases. They explore the benefits of aligning spending with priorities to achieve financial fulfillment and accelerate progress. The episode also features a heartwarming story of a teenage son embracing a budgeting app, highlighting the positive impact of early financial education.

Apr 17, 2024 • 36min
#88 - Swim Fins and Why You Shouldn't Compare Yourself to Others
Swim fins analogy - don't compare yourself to others financially, hidden advantages in life influencing circumstances. Avoid comparison, focus on your own financial journey. Celebrate small wins with YNAB and appreciate community feedback.
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