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Ben Barlowe

Education Content Writer at YNAB

Ben Barlowe is a personal finance educator, public voice, and writer for YNAB. Ben is one-half of the dynamic duo behind Budget Nerds, a bi-weekly podcast he hosts with fellow YNAB educator Ernie Reppe. Ben also regularly hosts live chats on YNAB’s instagram page and presents YNAB’s habit-building method wherever he can! You’ll also find Ben fluttering around all the many active YNAB communities across the internet. 

Ben started using YNAB in 2013 and joined the team in 2016 as a workshop teacher. Since then, he has become a jack-of-all-trades, doing a little bit of everything for the YNAB team, always with a focus on education. Ben lives in Lynchburg, Virginia with his wife, four kids, and giant great dane puppy. When not teaching people about YNAB, Ben loves playing poker, D&D, and board games with his friends. He also loves hiking, swimming, and trying not to break his arm on his Onewheel.

Featured Articles

There’s No Such Thing as Saving Money

The number one rule of personal finance: you have to save money. Why? What if I told you there is no such thing as saving money?

How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love My Surprise Expenses

How some preparation and a small change in your mindset can help you love how you spend your money, even for unexpected emergencies.

All articles by

Ben

What Is Financial Wellness—and How Do You Actually Achieve It?

Discover what financial wellness really means and how to achieve it. Learn how YNAB helps you reduce stress, build confidence, and spend with purpose.

Emergency Fund vs. Month Ahead

Ah, the age-old question: Should I build an emergency fund or get a month ahead first? Discover which option will help you stop worrying about money.

How Much of My Paycheck Should I Save?

Many aim to save a certain amount of their paycheck, but there is a better way. Rather than focusing on how much of your paycheck to avoid spending, try asking “How do I want to spend my money?” instead.

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The People Have Spoken: “Is YNAB Worth It?”

Have you been wondering what all the fuss is about and asking “Is YNAB worth it?” Here are the results of a giant survey of YNAB users to help you answer that question once and for all. (Spoiler: It is!)

How Money Can Buy Happiness—Wait, What?

New research has questioned the ubiquitous idea that money doesn’t make you happier once you reach $75,000 and suggests that the real secret is in how you spend, not how much you make.

Experiences Age Like Wine, Things Age Like Milk

Discover the psychology behind why we so often prioritize things over experiences. The "Ben's" of YNAB dive into some practical tip to prioritize memory-making.

What is Money Dysmorphia and How to Free Yourself

Money dysmorphia is a financial fog that is plaguing the masses! The YNAB Method can help you dispel the fear, face reality, and discover what you want most out of life.

Do I Have to Give EVERY Dollar a Job?

Rule One of the YNAB Method is Give Every Dollar a Job. Let’s uncover how to allocate your money all the way to zero, and the rewards you’ll receive when you do!

How Does it Feel to Get A Month Ahead?

Habit Four of the YNAB Method is all about getting a month ahead on your finances. Hear from real YNABers about how it feels to achieve this big financial goal!

When Human Math Beats Real Math

Sometimes, the mathematically right choice is actually the wrong choice. Personal finance is personal, and we often should make financial decisions based on more than math.

Financial Freedom, Generosity, and the Power of YNAB: Eric’s Story

This is the story of how Eric A. used YNAB to donate a staggering 60% of their income in the first half of 2023 and found lasting peace and contentment along the way.

How Brian and Leann Got Maui’d: A Second Chance at YNAB

Brian and Leann used YNAB to save for an amazing wedding and honeymoon, but the real win was the way the experience brought them closer together.