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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.

How We Paid Off Our Mortgage in 6 Years (and Why!)

Gather around for a story about how Ben paid off his mortgage in six years and how he plans on using that freed-up cash flow to help others.

All articles by

Ben

We Renamed the Budget Tab to Plan—Here's Why It Matters

The word “budget” carries baggage, so we’re changing our language to invite more people to experience the joy of YNAB.

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.

Top 10 Frequently Asked YNAB Questions

You've got questions, we've got answers. Here are the 10 most frequently asked questions from new YNABers.

New to YNAB? Start Here!

Learn how to use the YNAB Method, give every dollar a job, and set up your first categories with beginner videos and guides.

What It’s Like to Work at YNAB

It’s well-known that YNAB team members enjoy a fantastic culture. It turns out getting the YNAB software for free is a huge part of that.

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.

4 Reasons Why You Really Ought to Keep the Change

Transaction rounding apps and services promise to help you save by removing you from the process. But does that really lead to long-term life change?

6 Ways to Get YNAB for Free

Did you know there are a bunch of ways to get YNAB for free? See if one of these six ways applies to you!

Where is the Money Going to Come From?

What if you could answer the question, “Where is the money going to come from?” every single time? The YNAB Method will show you how!

20 Fun Ways to Name Your YNAB Plan

Did you know you can name your YNAB spending plan anything you want? Here are some fun ideas for naming your budget from the community.