It's been a while now since we started using You Need a Budget (YNAB)... If I remember correctly, we bought this amazing software last May 2009. Since then budgeting has never been easier! Here's why:
- It has a super cool user interface that's robust, yet still easy to use --> Think Apple UI
- I have always been confused with debit and credit, good thing, this app uses IN and OUT instead
- It's more than an application... it encourages you to make saving a habit through goal setting and living by its 4 principles:
Give Every Dollar a Job
Each month you assign your Available dollars to spending/savings categories. This process takes 20 minutes and revolutionizes the way you think about your money.
Result: Dollars are told what to do. Your awareness will increasetremendously and you’ll find contentment as your spending aligns itself with your core values. Communication between spouses is restored.
Save for a Rainy Day
You’ll anticipate larger, less-frequent expenses and will be ready for them. Insurance premium due in six months for $600? Save $100 each month and watch the Car Insurance balance grow.
Result: Eliminate the crazy ups and downs in your life. Gain atrue picture of your discretionary income. Enjoy opening the mail again (the money will be there waiting to pay that bill).
Roll with the Punches
The key is to keep moving even when you fail (you will). YNAB will make small adjustments when you overspend, ensuring that you fix those mistakes before you go to the next month.
Result: It keeps you on your budgeting feet, so when you fail, you don’t quit. You start each month with a clean slate–a hugepsychological boost.
Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck
We want you to work toward living on last month’s income. Both the software and methodology will help you do just that.
Result: You’ll find breathing room. You’ll stop wasting time by timing paychecks with bills, and if you’re on a variable income, your budgeting “problem” will be eliminated.
- It is super lightweight and multi-platform, it even has an iPhone and now an Android application
- Syncing is very easy, it highlights the updates or conflicts between devices, and allows you to easily check for it and approve as necessary
- Beat this -- It has an awesome website, awesome community, awesome crew, awesome tutorials
- It focuses more on changing lives rather than scoring money from its users because it focuses on YOU learning by giving free tutorials and coaching classes, it focuses on YOU getting the latest update for free for life, it focuses on YOU being able to access your application from all of your devices
If you're still in doubt, read what others think about YNAB:
- http://financialedge.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0611/The-Best-Budgeting-Software-For-2011.aspx
- http://financialsoft.about.com/od/budgetingsoftware/gr/You-Need-A-Budget-Review.htm
- http://www.onemoneydesign.com/ynab-3-review-you-need-a-budget/
- http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/you-need-a-budget-ynab/id372076250?mt=8
- http://www.amazon.com/You-Need-Budget-YNAB-Personal/dp/B000QO76HU
Enough said, why don't you guys just try this wonder for free :) I know, this is starting to sound like a paid ad but that's how happy I am! I can't stop spreading the good news! =) In fact, I'm glad that I am finally able to post this one because looking back, I really owe Jessy (founder of YNAB) big time! Read their story here.
If you have any question about this app, feel free to contact me via email. I'll be a YNAB consultant for free!