Several readers have expressed their love for the download-able budget software, You Need a Budget (YNAB). I had to include it in this week of budgeting reviews. YNAB 3 was recently released in beta. I downloaded the free trial version to my computer last night and gave it spin.
Katejo I hope you don't mind me stepping in for Matthew! That link will let you download YNAB 4, and check multiple email addresses to locate your key. If you have any trouble, send us a message in the app or via email and we can help! YNAB—Budget, Personal Finance, Expense Tracker YNAB will help you break the paycheck to paycheck cycle, get out of debt, and save more money. On average, new users save $600 in the first two months, and more than $6,000 in the first year. Try it free for 30 days. Key Features: Bank Synching—Easi.
You Need a Budget is what I would call a zero-based budgeting tool. The software allows you to “give every dollar a job” and get beyond living paycheck to paycheck. I would describe it as a principle-based, straight-forward budgeting tool with an easy-to-use (and enjoyable to look at) interface. Here’s a look at the budget function:
YNAB is Not a Complete Money Management Tool
Something I quickly discovered about YNAB 3 is that it isn’t a well-rounded money management tool, like Quicken or Mint. But it’s not really trying to be that. YNAB is a budgeting tool. The creators really understand the psychology behind budgeting and “getting ahead”, and they incorporate that into the software.
For this reason, YNAB isn’t for the person who has a lot of stocks or real estate to track. Nor is it really for someone with a small business to keep track of. It’s not personal accounting software, plus budgeting. It’s simply budgeting software.
Dropdmg 3 5 2. It’s these four rules that set YNAB a part from the competition, I believe. If you are a Dave Ramsey fan and believe in the power of the zero-based budget, then this software is right up your alley.
Read more about YNAB’s four rules to budget by.
What’s New in YNAB 3
Ynab (you Need A Budget) 4 3 855 download free. full
YNAB 3 just rolled out replacing YNAB Pro. Here’s what’s new…
Available Funds Roll Forward – Any available funds that you have not budgeted roll forward to become a part of next month’s starting buffer.
Drag and Drop to Order Categories – I noticed this right away on the budget screen. You can arrange the categories to prioritize your view based on you most important categories.
Other new features include: transaction search/filtering, improved reporting, and overspending flexibility
Ynab (you Need A Budget) 4 3 855 Download Free Download
YNAB has a Passionate Following
Check out this recent comment from a reader,
“I have YNAB 3 (beta), and I cannot say enough about this budgeting software. IMO it is the BEST user-friendly budget software I’ve ever bought. It’s worth every penny. I think the four rules are the foundation from which to go by when starting a budget.” – Jo
YNAB Community and Personality
There’s much more to the YNAB website than a download button. The creator of the software, Jesse Mecham (@jessemecham), has developed a large set of online resources to help you. There’s a blog, which he personally contributes to. A series of Whiteboard Wednesday posts where he shares specific budgeting methods and tips. Very real stuff. Also there are support forums, live online classes, an online university, and several videos to view which will show you how the software works.
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This software looks like the real deal. To try the YNAB 3 software on your computer, risk free for 30 days, just click the You Need a Budget banner below. You can also download the free trial version.
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For the past few years my wife and I have been using You Need A Budget as our main budgeting software for our household.
I am a big believer in the zero-based budget where you allocate every dollar of income to a spending, saving or giving category. YNAB gives you an easy way to setup a zero based budget that’s easy to track, so not a single cent of your family’s money goes unaccounted for.
YNAB has served our family well, and it has really helped us to improve our financial well being. I’ve heard the same from others.
The team at You Need A Budget recently announced that they are going to be doing something pretty incredible. They are making YNAB free for college students.