YNAB Pro Review

Well it’s that time of year again where many of us sit down and figure out what we want to accomplish in the New Year.  I would guess that a majority of the goals made each year have to deal with finance and fitness.  I’d also guess that by February most of the goals in these two categories are thrown out the window.  Don’t let it happen to you.  Let’s talk about how to keep on track with your financial goals this year.

I’m about to let you in on my secret how I got my finances under control.   Okay, if you aren’t new here you probably have heard me talk about it numerous times already.  Two words… YNAB Pro!  That’s it (you can do a search of YNAB to find my old posts).  That’s my financial secret.  I’m sure you have heard of Quicken and I’m sure you have heard of Money, but have you heard of YNAB Pro?  If not, you should know about it.  It could quite possibly be the main reason you WILL stick to and achieve your financial goals this year.

YNAB uses 4 simple rules.

1. Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck
   • 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
2. 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.
3. Prepare for Rain
   • YNAB will help you anticipate those larger, less frequent expenses.
4. Roll With the Punches
   • You will fail. 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.

After using YNAB Pro my mindset has changed.  The easy to view graphs and budget sheet show me exactly where I am spedning my money each month.  If I am over budget, I can spot it right away and modify my plan to accomodate for it.  YNAB has forced me to be aware of how I am spedning my money.  At the beginning of each month I know exactly how much I will be spending on recurring bills and how much I will have to split between my other expenses.  Putting money aside for categories such as Insurance and Emergency Funds and watching them build up each month is an awesome feeling.  Having the money already set aside when the Insurance payment comes due is a great feeling.  Prior to YNAB I would have to do a mad scramble to find the money.  Not anymore….and let me tell you that is a great feeling.

If you are a previous user of Quicken or Money like myself and think that personal finance software isn’t for you, I suggest you give it one more shot and try YNAB Pro.  I’m positive you will be happy with the results and your new financial outlook.

Get your finances under control!  Visit the YNAB website and download YNAB Pro.  Please come back and share your experience.