“The Most Effective Money Management System Ever Conceived”
Achieve Debt Freedom and Financial Peace.
How Four Simple Secrets will
Liberate Your Personal Budget!
This is first and foremost about a completely new way of managing your money. A paradigm shift. The fact that it’s all done using extremely effective, easy-to-use software? That’s just a bonus.
Welcome to YouNeedABudget.com (yes, you do), home to a unique, powerful and proven way to manage your money that gets results. This methodology is called YNAB (Y-NAB).
| STOP Living paycheck to paycheck Going into debt Worrying about your money Putting off retirement Over drafting your accounts Arguing with your spouse |
START Paying cash for purchases Living on less than you earn Getting out of debt Investing for retirement Making your money work! Working with your spouse |
You’re welcome to check out the long version of how YNAB came to be, but the short of it was something like this: We were a just married couple, both still in school with no money, no car, and part-time, low-paying jobs.
But we had an idea.
What if we budgeted our money using Four Simple Rules? We implemented the Four Rules into superior, user-friendly software, which can be used through a spreadsheet program, or as a standalone Windows application.
Implementing YNAB will change not only your personal budget; it will change your life!
YNAB is so helpful. Seven months of success in our house with the program. We are successfully living on one income in our house now as a result of YNAB. We are paying down car and student loans at the same time, with a 9 month old baby in tow. We live on a not-for-profit worker salary, too. Pretty cool. Go YNAB. Best impulse buy I ever made. source
The real victory from living on a budget will be the debt we will be able to pay down with the wife’s seasonal income. Looking longer term, we have a plan to have everything but the mortgage paid off by this time next year. Then the snowball used to pay off the debt will be freed up to really start us down the path towards the dream. I feel we’ve come a long way to learning healthier financial behaviors. source
…and it’ll do all of that in less time…
I spend sooo much less time on the home budget every month and everything is TOTALLY organized. I used to fear balancing everything under my old method because it took too long so I would inevitably put it off. Now I look forward to entering everything and I do it every 1 to 3 days at the latest and it takes no time at all. source
Anyone who is considering this program, I would strongly suggest giving it a chance. This software is so easy to use, my wife and I spent 20 minutes setting up December’s budget and I spend maybe 5 minutes every couple days updating the receipts and reconciling the checking account. Definitely not a time intense process. source
So let’s talk about these Four Rules.
Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck
YNAB will require some work on your part–work that will pay big dividends in the future. The methodology and software will help you work toward living on last month’s income. What you earn this month, you’ll spend the next. Most people take between four and six months to save enough money to live on last month’s income. What really matters is that you work toward it (Rules Two, Three and Four will all help you get there).
Why Follow Rule One?
- You’ll finally have some breathing room. (Don’t underestimate this)
- Pay your bills when they arrive — no more wasting time by timing paychecks with bills!
- The “I can’t budget, I’m on a variable income” problem is eliminated.
We’re now living a month ahead, and I’m completely geeking out about it. Yesterday I paid all the bills we’d gotten so far for January. Today I got the water bill, and instead of putting it aside to wait for the next paycheck–I just went ahead and paid it right away. Next to my desk I’ve got a little box with 31 slots, for keeping bills in. That way I know when they’re due, so I can schedule which ones I have to pay now and which ones can wait until the next paycheck. Now NONE of them need to wait until the next paycheck. I’m going to give the box to Goodwill. source
Give Every Dollar a Job
Each month you’ll sit down (with your spouse if applicable) and allocate the funds you have Available to your spending/saving categories where they are needed. You’ll do this until there are no more available dollars. The process takes twenty minutes and will revolutionize the way you think about your money. Every dollar will be given a JOB (rent, car insurance, savings, caribbean vacation, etc.)
Why Follow Rule Two?
- Dollars are like teenagers, unless given some (strict) guidance, they’ll own you.
- Your awareness will increase immensely. Your spending will align with your values, and that brings contentment.
- Communication between spouses about money improves greatly.
Once I started using YNAB, within 10 days I am very clear about my financial goals. YNAB gives me a very clear picture about my spending and where I can save etc. source
Making more money doesn’t make you smarter or better with money. It doesn’t magically enable you to not need a budget. Though I lived that way for awhile. I could get away with it while single — but as a family man with a mortgage, a new car, a flooded basement, a new dog with surgical needs, etc. Well, that just wasn’t going to cut it. YNAB quickly, and easily, got me living to a managed budget this summer. source
Prepare for Rain
Everyone has rainy days. The car insurance is due, you need new tires, the tax man cometh… YNAB will help you anticipate those larger, less frequent expenses. Have an insurance premium due in six months for $600? Stick $100 into your Car Insurance category for each of those months and watch the balance grow until the bill is due.
Why Follow Rule Three?
- Even out the crazy ups and downs of your financial life.
- Gain a true picture of your discretionary income.
- Ease the stress of opening the mail. (The money will be sitting there waiting to be used to pay that bill!)
My car insurance bill came today. It comes once every 6 months. I have the money to pay it and it won’t hurt at all.
Thank you YNAB. source
Roll with the Punches
You will fail. Without a doubt. My wife and I overspend in our grocery category 80% of the time. It’s killing me! The key is to roll with the punches. YNAB will make small adjustments with that overspending, ensuring that you fix those mistakes before you go on to the next month. You’ll barely notice as YNAB makes its gentle corrections.
Why Follow Rule Four?
- It keeps you on your “Budgeting Feet” so to speak so you can stay in the fight.
- You start each month with a clean slate, which is a huge psychological boost.
Rule #4 forces/reminds me to take care of the over spending the following month before I spiral out of control. That is why I love using YNAB. By following the four rules you can’t lose. source
What to expect when you use YNAB Personal Budget Software
Life just got a whole lot easier.
The best way I can bring across my last and final points is just to speak from mine and my wife’s personal experience using this system. We have been using the YNAB Budget since we first married with great success. I don’t want to sound boastful, but I do want to highlight some of our accomplishments as a result of following these principles:
- We have never, ever argued about money.
- Neither of us feels guilty if we spend money.
- We have never gone into debt.
- We have an emergency fund in our ING account.
- We saved money on one part-time income - with a new baby!
- We don’t have to balance our checkbook.
- Our financial goals are aligned.
- It’s easy talking about money with each other.
- We have financial peace of mind.
I know I’ve forgotten some. I’m certain you will have similar success when you implement the YNAB Budgeting System.
I haven’t talked about the beauty of Supplemental Cash Inflows, Gorgeous Reporting, or Category Spending Breakdowns.
You’ll be instructed on those in the user guide that comes along with the Excel spreadsheets or Windows application (whichever you choose). Let me just mention this: With one glance you’ll be able to see how you’re stacking up with your money. You’ll know how much you have spent in each category from the first day you started the program, along with monthly breakdowns. You’ll be able to use YNAB year after year after year with NO RECURRING COSTS.
The spreadsheets (YNAB) are extremely user friendly, so if you don’t have any skill with Excel, you don’t have to worry.
The Windows software (YNAB Pro) may be even friendlier.
Budgeting TWICE as effective, in HALF the time.
Remember, you concern yourself with one number, and one number only: how much you have available to budget each month - and that’s calculated automatically for you based on the Four Rules. Your tasks will be to:
- Record what you earn/spend every few days (10-20 minutes per week).
- Allocate your “Available” money each month (20 minutes per month) to categories.
Total time spent with money for the month: 1-2 hours
Sound simple enough? It is. It works.
Buy the software and the book is FREE!
On average, a YNAB user pays off $500 in debt and saves $235 in the first 31 days! That’s a $735 change in just one month!
YNAB Pro - $49.95YNAB Pro takes YNAB one step further with added functionality that just isn’t possible on a spreadsheet platform. Pro is also digitally distributed. Compatible with all computers running Windows 98 or later. Yes, it runs great on Vista! YNAB Pro is NOT compatible with Macs (yet), though you can run it great in an emulator. You can also buy a hard copy. |
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YNAB - $24.95This is a digital download that you’ll have up and running in one minute — literally. Packaged in spreadsheet format, YNAB is compatible with Excel (Windows or Mac), OpenOffice, and NeoOffice (Mac). |
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“The YNAB Way” - $11.95“The YNAB Way” walks you carefully through the YNAB Methodology, from its conception to the bitter, boring end. It’s jam-packed with the WHYS and HOWS behind YNAB. Even without the software, this book will revolutionize the way you think about your money. Read more about the book. |
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You’ll receive Five Bonuses at no extra cost when you purchase either YNAB or YNAB Pro:
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BONUS #1: Undoubtedly, you want to get out of debt. I’ve built an add-on to the YNAB Budgeting system that will help you implement the most effective method for digging yourself out of debt: The YNAB Debt Snowball. This spreadsheet will guide you step-by-step in the process of getting yourself out of debt as quickly as possible. |
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BONUS #2: Don’t be blind-sided by your tax bill again. The YNAB 2008 Income Tax Forecaster will estimate your 2008 taxes, including capital gains (both short and long-term), self-employment tax, exemption/child credit/itemized deduction phaseouts, and much more. |
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BONUS #3: The YNAB Retirement Planner to guide you in making investment decisions that will help you meet your personal goals. You’ll be able to do “what-if” scenarios from multiple angles, evaluate different investment options, and make an educated decision on how much and where you should be investing for retirement. |
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BONUS #4: With debt paid off, and retirement savings being added to regularly, you might want to consider becoming completely debt free. The YNAB Mortgage Analyzer will show you how much faster you’ll pay off your house under different scenarios. Be prepared to be shocked when you see how much money you’ll save when you take the Analyzer’s advice. |
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BONUS #5: The YNAB Car Maintenance Schedule will help you keep your car running long, long into the night. You’ll know when you should do each type of maintenance check, when you did it last, and if you’re overdue on anything pressing. A well-maintained vehicle will save you thousands of dollars. |
| Bonuses require Microsoft Excel or the free OpenOffice Suite | |
60-Day Moneyback Guarantee
You have absolutely no risk when purchasing this product. If you give the program an honest effort and aren’t happy with it, you are entitled to a full refund.
How Do I Purchase?
All major credit/debit cards are accepted. You can purchase through our secure credit card processing, through Paypal or Google Checkout.
This is a digital download, so no Shipping & Handling is required unless you choose to purchase a hard copy (only available for YNAB Pro). Your payment will be processed instantly and you will be taken directly to a download page.
If you’d like to purchase with a money order or check, please contact me and we can arrange that.
Well, that about covers the details. I wish you much success with your personal finances and hope to hear from you very soon with your own story. My wife and I have had so much success with this system, we know you will too. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask a friendly soul at the forums, or contact me directly here.
Buy the software and the book is FREE!
YNAB Pro - $49.95YNAB Pro takes YNAB one step further with added functionality that just isn’t possible on a spreadsheet platform. Pro is also digitally distributed. Compatible with all computers running Windows 98 or later. Yes, it runs great on Vista! YNAB Pro is NOT compatible with Macs (yet), though you can run it great in an emulator. You can also buy a hard copy. |
|
YNAB - $24.95This is a digital download that you’ll have up and running in one minute — literally. Packaged in spreadsheet format, YNAB is compatible with Excel (Windows or Mac), OpenOffice, and NeoOffice (Mac). |
|
“The YNAB Way” - $11.95“The YNAB Way” walks you carefully through the YNAB Methodology, from its conception to the bitter, boring end. It’s jam-packed with the WHYS and HOWS behind YNAB. Even without the software, this book will revolutionize the way you think about your money. Read more about the book. |
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P.S. You will save enough money during your first month on this program to offset the cost of the YNAB System ten times over. You won’t get your finances in order if you just keep doing the same thing. You have to do something different!
FREE Budgeting Course
Gain Control of Your Money in 10 Days!
How YNAB Helps You
Handling “Real Life” After College Using YNAB
“Even though we were living beneath our means, we were always stressed about money, never really feeling confident and secure about our finances because we never knew exactly what our bottom line was.”
A $13,000 Turn-Around in 16 Months
“16 months after starting YNAB, I am debt free (since the 7 month mark). I have no credit cards and am just shy of $7,000 in the bank.”
Finding Savings Every Month
“…for the first time in years, we had a positive balance of £160 in our account at the end of the month. A month or two later, that figure was £400 and then went up to £600.”
Transitioning to One Income…Reaching Goals
“Without major sacrifice or hardship, we stopped floundering around and being stressed, and now feel like our goals are really achievable.”
Digging Out of Perpetual Overdraft
“My great concern then was whether or not I had enough to make the next credit card payment in full. Now, my balance is always in the credit, and I’m enjoying something new.”
What Others are Saying
“I can’t stress enough how helpful this program has been for me. I am only a few months away from not owing any person or company a single cent, and a large part of ending the constant debt cycle is due to using YNAB. My savings and investment goals are no longer in the hand-waving making-quotes-in-the-air future. It’s going to be awesome getting to decide what I do with EVERY dollar that I make.”
- Paul Schmidt
“I was disappointed with the traditional “personal finance” package offered. Your system is a breath of fresh air. It does the job-and all in two hours each month.”
- Linda, OH
“Your four principles of cash flow management are straight forward and easy to follow. Having the budget do it all for me has sure” made it nice. Thanks for your work.
- Jake, AZ
“My wife has done the financial data keeping on paper for years and I am now stepping in to distribute the load. I knew I wanted to go electronic but I also was very unenthusiastic about my software options. I went first to the Quicken site and found lots of cute marketing extras that I will never use and, as I expected, I found only historical applications. I need to know where I am going not where I have been.”
- Seth, Thousand Oaks, CA
“We’ve managed to pay off ALL our credit cards! The combination of cash flow management with the debt paydown system really works.”
- Steve, Atlanta, GA
“First, I want to thank you for your quick response to me last week when I first purchased the YNAB spreadsheet. I really appreciate you getting back to me so quickly. The spreadsheet is very comprehensive and I do believe it will help me with my budgeting.”
- Kim, Salt Lake City, UT
“We started using YNAB 4 months ago. Budgeting - life - is so much better now that we’re no longer living paycheck to paycheck.”
- Ann, Phoenix, AZ
“Looking forward to using your product. It is exactly what I need.”
- Rod, Arlington, VA
“Implementing these simple cash flow techniques, with the help of these tools, has made our life a whole lot easier. Where were you when I was 20?”
- Allan, Farmington, UT
“Again, I just want to say what you are doing is truely ingenious but yet so simple. I stayed awake for quite a while last night realizing all the advantages to your system!! Love it!!”
- L. Abrahams
“Our first “rainy day” came this month. We didn’t feel a thing! I never knew we actually could make ends meet. Now, to our surprise, money is left over!”
- Margaret, Tulsa, OK
“YNAB is easily the most impressive budgeting spreadsheet I have yet seen. (I’m not kidding. My spending plans and other Excel spreadsheets are pathetic compared to this!)…But YNAB is an astounding performer in the lone task where Quicken and MS Money have, to this point, been lackluster.”
- Michael M., OK
“Just spending twenty minutes together each month to go over the budget has really saved us. We no longer feel guilty when we spend money!”
- Mike, Orlando, FL
“I made the mistake of making my wife handle all of the finances. She really felt burdened. Now we’re both on the same page - reaching our goals together.”
- Chris, Scottsdale, AZ
“I’m so enamored of your program and how straightforward it is. I just purchased a second copy to give to my sister and brother-in-law as a gift. I’m sure it will help them as it’s helped me.”
- Eric Bergsten
“Hey, Jesse - Just wanted to let you know that I really like the Debt Snowball bonus. It’s helped me and my wife get focused and organized. We’re well on our way to being debt-free.”
- Luis, Atlanta, GA
“Finally, for the first time in my life, I feel like I actually have control over my money. The budget gives you rules, but at the same time, more freedom!”
- Denise, Richmond, VA
“What a nice piece of programing. I am looking forward to using it every month.”
- Linda, Hayden, ID
“It feels so good to have the money for bills when they come in. I don’t wait to get paid to pay my bills anymore. As soon as one comes, I just pay it. I cannot tell you how much peace this has brought to me.”
- Tamara, Richmond, VA
“WOW! I did not realize you could do so much with excel.”
- Damon, TN
“First of all, let me just say that YNAB is fantastic! I recently got fed up with MS Money and so tried Quicken - forgetting that I’d read earlier how horrible the newest Quicken version truly is. The next day I found your site and bought YNAB.”
- Joseph, Phoenix, AZ
“Just a quick note to thank you for allowing me to download YNAB Version 2. I’ve just got it up and running and must congratulate you on a MUCH IMPROVED interface. It makes everything so much easier to do, particularly working on allocating the monthly budget amounts, as well as recording the daily spending.”
- Roger, Canberra, Australia
“YNAB 2.0 looks REALLY good. Seriously! I really like how you enter all of the expenses in one place. Pretty sweet!”
- Jon, Orem, UT
“Glad to see the OpenOffice update, too. Nice work.”
- James
“The primer is just the thing I needed to get me started.”
- Eddie Carson
“I love the new edition, it is faster than ever to do my finances. I have tried many products and even tried making my own spreadsheets without any improvement in my financial attitude or position. YNAB is the perfect financial system I have been looking for, it is amazing!”
- Thomas, Ottawa, ON
“I cannot thank you enough for designing such a great program which totally gives me the peace I’ve been striving to attain. I appreciate that you have taken the time to develop a program that works, it’s not expensive, and you only have to pay once. It’s nice of you to share your experience with others.”
- Tamara
“These spreadsheets look so simple! Just what I’ve needed. I downloaded both OO and YNAB, as well as the system setup guide. I’ll start inputing today. Thanks so much!”
- John C, Pittsburgh, PA
“All I can say is - WoW!!! You are truly amazing. I’ve never got this kind of quick, detailed and helpful response from anyone I purchased from before. You truly stand behind your product and it’s obvious you are doing this to truly help people, not just make money. Way to go! What can I say - except thanks and I promise I will use it to make our lives better. I will definitely spread the word.”
- Kim, NM
“Jesse, I got the program about 5 minutes after I emailed you. That was fast! Your system sounds incredibly smart and of course-all common sense!”
- Mindy, KY
“I liked your idea of a living budget the minute I saw it. Having used many spreadsheets and programs for trying to keep a budget for longer than the last ice age, I always quit after a few months. Too many of them were great at keeping track of what I DID with my money but lousy at helping me KEEP some of my money. They fall into that category of what I call Dead spreadsheets. They provide great post mortem but not must use at helping with the future. I will be ordering your spreadsheets with my next paycheck.”
- Geoff, South Milwaukee, WI
“Thanks for your help. From what I’ve see so far, your spreadsheet is exactly what I’ve been looking for and have not been able to find in either my own spreadsheet creations or in Microsoft Money.”
- Nicholas, Colorado Springs, CO
“Thank you so much for your good service. Because of this good service, you can bet I will purchase your system as soon as I can.”
- Sheryl, Birmingham, AL
“I just bought your program and I like it. I’ve had my own spreadsheet I’ve used for years but yours has automated many of the things I did manually in mine. Thanks.”
- Kevin, Henderson, NV
“I’m setting things up to commence your system on 1 July, and am very impressed with not only the spreadsheet, but also your “zero-based” budgeting concept. I love the idea! I’ve read many of your articles on your web site, and have found them very helpful.”
- Roger, Twin Falls, ID
“Hello…I am so impressed. This is just what I have been looking for for many years.”
- Akslund, Opstryn, Norway
“Read your pitch, realized you were real life, used it personally, and shared the same qualities…hurried, and wanted something detailed enough that it would provide me into-the-future answers via a history. Your product solves that, As well, Excel is my preferred format.”
- Rod Vance
“The spreadsheets look awesome and I am so excited! I just wish I had stumbled upon them before I spent my tax refund on repairs. 
No worries though; I’ll get there.”
- Mirika, Orange County, CA
“This is the best budget plan I have seen out there.”
- Natalie, Pensacola, FL
“…anyway, I did not intend to write a novel. I need to start inputing data. I just wanted to say a special thanks for putting out a good product.”
- Seth, CA
“I really appreciate all your help! It’s such a great concept. I was actually using Mvelopes online program for awhile and actually noticed our finances improved drastically while I was using it. But, it was SO SLOW and had a monthly fee. So, then I created a VERY manual Envelopes concept in Excel which was Free but EVEN SLOWER than the online program So, I was very happy to find your spreadsheet online. And you can’t beat the customer service :)”
- Jessica A.
“Thanks for the great service, I’d recommend your business to anyone.”
- Sean C., Quebec
“I’m looking forward to using your system. Looks good. Thanks and let me know if you come out with anything else.”
- Matt B., Orange County, CA
“Thanks for the incredibly prompt service! I LOVE your program!”
- Nancy Shivley
“It is a wonderful tool. Thanks again.”
- Phyllis Morelli, VA
“Thanks for the fast response! This spreadsheet has really helped us use our money wisely.”
- G Harman
“Jesse, this budget works. Two months in a row I have lived on what I earn.”
- Tamara Gardner, VA
“Jesse, I am anxious to get started and look forward to finally being in control of our finances! Thanks again!”
- Kim O., Boulder, CO
“Hi. I have been using YNAB for one month now and really like it. This is a big change for my husband and me to tell our money where to go rather than wonder where it went. We are still getting used to keeping track of all spending, but we’re getting the hang of it.”
- K. Newmann
“Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!! My wife and I were just talking about how crappy the customer service is these days with most companies, and how incompetent so many people are at doing their jobs. In fact, we were both trying to think of just three companies that really “knock our socks off” with great service and that we love dealing with. I probably don’t have to tell you that it was very difficult thinking of even one. 
So… that’s why I say THANK YOU! You’re definitely an exception to the rule. Sometimes, before purchasing something online, I can’t even get a single response to an email, let alone a bunch of questions answered. But you have taken so much time and been very patient with me — and you only charge $20 for your product! You know, you really should be charging more than 19.95 for this little gem. I wish I would have found you a LONG time ago! My wife and I always thought we had a pretty good handle on our finances, but we always stopped short of being able to budget powerfully and effectively since we were using Quicken and/or Money. Those tools took us about 50% of the way, but YNAB definitely brought us into home plate. We appreciate your hard work!”
- D. Mauder
“Thank you for your time, and a great product.”
- Melody B.
“My wife thinks that [YNAB] is the easiest thing that she has seen for our budget, and we have seen a lot.”
- Marc S.
“Thanks so much! This is perfect. I can’t imagine the Quicken people tweaking their program just for me. This program is so much more logical to me, and I can’t tell you how impressed I am with your customer service.”
- Cheryl H
“YNAB has to be the best budgeting rules/software available. I’m truly impressed.”
- Josh H., CA
“Great, and thanks for answering my questions so quickly, it’s a big help. It has been so awesome not to have to watch our account approach the $0.00 mark before we get our cheques at the end of the month!! And money is sitting there ready for all our upcoming bills. This is kind of embarrassing to admit but it is the first time that I have felt like I know where our money is going! Love it! It’s not like I haven’t understood the idea of budgeting but having YNAB has been a tool that has motivated me to get things in order!! I know I’m rambling on and I’m sure it’s wasting your working time but sometimes a person doesn’t get to hear how their hard work effects people so just wanted to fill you in.”
- Leanne A.
“This is a great product you have and I am so thankful you have shared with us.”
- Dena C., VA
“I appreciate the awesome, quick customer service. By the way, I think this is such a great concept. Although I’m glad you only charged $19.95, I really think people would pay more than that!”
- Jessica A.
“I want to say how thankful I am for your budget. I have only been using it for a week but already it has helped me get control of my spending and I feel so much better knowing what my money is doing.”
- Jacob B., Australia
“I am using your program now and I love it! Thanks for a superb program. I am really impressed.”
- Jessa D.
“This program is the godsend we have been looking for!”
- Simon W.
“Thanks for the prompt response. I definitely appreciate it! When I saw the unread message notification, I had assumed it was a canned “Thank you for your feedback, we’ll send you a real response later” type of e-mail. I was pleasantly surprised to see an actual reply! It’s rare to see that these days.”
- Sean L.