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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

Minimizing the Stress of a Big Move

Life changes and, with it, priorities. Right now my priority is getting over this move. Here's how I reduced the financial stress of moving.

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

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.

The No-Regrets Way to Spend Your Tax Refund

We asked YNABers—the pros at giving every dollar a job—how they plan to spend their tax refund money this year. Here's what they said ...

All articles by

Erin

Worried About Grocery Spending? Stop Trying to Be Creative, Just Be Consistent

When dinner feels overwhelming, a predictable meal rotation can bring less money worry and more calm to the table. No creativity required.

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 With 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.

The Peace of Mind Plan: Get a Month Ahead with Money

Imagine feeling so secure about your finances, you forget that it’s payday.YNAB’s newest feature helps you track your progress toward getting a full month ahead—right inside your spending plan.

The YNAB Method: ‘Give Every Dollar a Job’ Takes Center Stage

The last 20 years have led to this moment—where we’ve stepped back, taken a fresh look, and re-imagined the YNAB Method from the ground up. Lean in as Erin reveals what's new!

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.

You Can Do Big Things!

Ever feel like your money is always riding a unicycle on a high wire? Dive into Erin's practical tips to find your financial balance and tackle big goals with confidence.

Don't Let Two Worlds Collide

At YNAB, we teach you to only assign jobs to dollars that you have right now. Erin dives into one reason why that’s such an important principle!

There’s No Such Thing as Cutting Spending

Need a chiropractor for your money? Our sage teacher, Erin, guides you in making the critical shift from “restricted” to “aligned.”

YNAB Coaches: A Personal Trainer for Your Finances

Imagine having a personal trainer for your finances. Find a YNAB Certified Coach to help you get good with money and never worry about it again.