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Erin Lowell

Lead Educator at YNAB

Erin is a former choir teacher turned budgeting teacher, who manages the small but mighty team of educators at YNAB. She is always looking for ways to get people excited about budgeting, because budgeting actually is really exciting. 

Erin started working at YNAB after using it to pay off the credit card debt she racked up during a long and unnerving period of home renovations on her old farmhouse. Over the course of her time at YNAB she’s taught over 100,000 people how to budget (which is roughly the size of the entire population of Green Bay, Wisconsin). She lives in Maine with a small collection of cats and a dog named Charlie. When the weather cooperates, she hikes the Appalachian Trail, and hopes to complete the entire trail someday. In the winter when the weather isn't so nice for hiking, she quilts for charity. 

Erin’s favorite part of the YNAB Method is flexibility because she loves changing her mind.

Featured Articles

How Much Car Can I Afford? What the Calculators Won’t Tell You

Wondering how much car you can afford? Sure, you can use a calculator based on averages, but it doesn't tell you the whole story.

All articles by

Erin

Is Your Paycheck Running Your Life? Here’s How to Tell

Ever felt like you can’t make a decision until you get paid? That’s your paycheck running your life. Here’s how to take back the reins and finally breathe easier around money.

When Your Pet Needs You Most: How to Make Money One Less Thing to Worry About

Life is hard enough without money worry. Erin shares how YNAB helped her navigate the emotional and financial challenges of end-of-life care with clarity, flexibility, and peace of mind.

I Thought I Was Good at Money. I Was Wrong.

Worried about money despite doing everything "right"? Erin reveals how to transform your financial stress into confidence and finally give your dollars a purpose.

6 Money Myths That Kept Me Broke for 20 Years

A lifetime of money myths quietly shaped my choices, limited my options, and kept me stuck. Letting go of these six common misconceptions gave me a new mindset and led to real financial freedom.

How to Get a Month Ahead in YNAB

Break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle with YNAB. Learn how to get a month ahead, fund expenses early, and build lasting financial stability.

20 Money Questions to Ask Yourself After a Big Life Change

New chapters—like having a baby, moving, or experiencing loss—can leave your spending plan feeling out of sync. Erin's top 20 questions will guide you through updating your plan so it reflects your priorities.

Emergency Fund 101: How To Save For a Rainy Day

You've probably heard about an emergency fund. But how much should you be saving? Do you actually need one? Let's cover Emergency Fund 101.

Cut Food Costs with Our Grocery Budget Templates

Grocery shopping on a budget is a challenge as prices continue to rise. Cut costs with tips, tricks and our free Grocery Planner templates.

Cost Cutting With YNAB Reports

Achieving your financial goals often requires some sacrifices. Find out how budget reports can help you identify cost cutting opportunities.

4 Myths of Meal Planning—Busted

Meal planning doesn't have to be complex, tedious, or time-consuming. Check out the plan that saves a family of four $188/month in groceries.

How Much Should I Budget for Eating Out?

When you're trying to plan a reasonable amount for eating out, what's realistic? Here's a better framework for deciding.

How Much Car Can I Afford? What the Calculators Won’t Tell You

Wondering how much car you can afford? Sure, you can use a calculator based on averages, but it doesn't tell you the whole story.