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 True 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
5 Ways to Teach Your Kids Gratitude This Christmas
Ideas for establishing some meaningful family traditions that capture all of the Christmas magic without focusing on presents.
How Tracking Accounts Work in YNAB
If you like to keep things simple, don’t worry about tracking accounts and just focus on your budget. If you’re way-deep into personal finance nerdery, then you might enjoy tracking accounts for the insight ...
How to Make Your Budget More Fun
Does a "fun budget" seem like an oxymoron? See how you can both bask in budgeting peace and, at the same time, go a little off the rails with your spending.