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Life

Life

Don't spend (life) frivolously. Manage your money in a way that makes every day a little more meaningful.

Don't spend (life) frivolously. Manage your money in a way that makes every day a little more meaningful.

Our favorite posts about money and life

30 Affordable Ways to Treat Yourself

When we want a little pampering, it doesn’t have to be a pricey day-at-the-spa affair. Here are 30 affordable ideas to practice self care.

What the Enneagram Can Teach You About How You Handle Money

Each Enneagram type handles money a little differently. See the challenges and tips based on your type to help you understand your money management style.

10 Budget-Friendly Date Ideas

Looking for some budget-friendly dates that don’t break the bank? Here's a list of 10 budget-friendly dates that are easy on the wallet.

Stop Trying to Spend Less Money

Dan Cayer
|
February 4, 2026

If you inherited fear-based money habits from past generations, every purchase can feel stressful and wrong. YNAB helps you get good with money by choosing how to spend—so spending no longer causes worry.

This Is Not About Whole Life Insurance

Dan Cayer
|
January 9, 2026

After receiving a glossy sales package from a financial advisor, the author realizes that the discomfort wasn’t about life insurance, but about not being in touch with their money. Avoiding day-to-day financial awareness undermines your confidence and causes you to miss the small, meaningful opportunities to move forward.

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

Erin Lowell
|
January 2, 2026

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

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

Erin Lowell
|
December 16, 2025

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.

Forget the Emergency Fund: Do This Instead

Ben Barlowe
|
November 6, 2025

Most emergencies aren’t really emergencies—they’re expenses you can plan for. YNAB can help you replace the vague “emergency fund” with intentional categories that make you feel calm, prepared, and in control.

Retirement Curveballs: When Family Needs Come First

Matthew Amster-Burton
|
September 4, 2025

Retirement doesn’t always look like the postcard version. Sometimes it isn't about what you need—it's about who needs you. Matthew shares how to make room in your plan for loved ones without sidelining your someday.

How to Survive a Pay Cut

Ben Barlowe
|
August 28, 2025

When my wife lost her job, fear hit hard—but building a slimmed-down spending plan changed everything. Here’s how we made it through, and how you can too.

Welcome to Adulthood: Your Crash Course in Living Expenses

Ben Barlowe
|
August 12, 2025

From toothpaste to rent: everything you need to know about managing living expenses like a pro—with a little help from YNAB.

How to Save for a House: A Step-by-Step Guide

Emily Hudson
|
August 6, 2025

Saving up for a house can feel overwhelming, even a little scary. Emily shares how she and her husband used YNAB to turn that stress into a steady, values-based plan—one that made buying a home feel calm, not chaotic.

Want Better Sleep? Start with Your Spending Habits

Jack Silk
|
August 5, 2025

Better sleep starts with more than a bedtime routine—it begins with how you manage your money. Align your spending with what matters most to lower stress and rest easier.

From Candles to Keys: How Love—and a Plan—Bought My Mom a Home

Faness H.
|
May 20, 2025

For years, all she could give were candles. Then she gave her mom a house. Not because she had more money—because her money had more meaning.

What’s On Your Bucket List? Build It—Then Fund It

Jack Silk
|
May 8, 2025

Your spending plan can help bring your wildest dreams to life. Explore how writing a bucket list is a killer kickstart for reaching your loftiest goals.

When Everything Costs More, What Do I Do?

Dan Cayer
|
May 1, 2025

You can’t control tariffs and rising prices. But with YNAB, you’ll get clarity and peace of mind to ride this turbulent moment with confidence.

Burning Man, a Bus, and a Beehive: Love the Way You Spend

Dan Cayer
|
December 30, 2024

Awareness. Intention. And the occasional burst of spontaneity. Discover what spendfulness truly means—through the lens of a Burning Man story.

Evicting the Ghost: How Simone Used YNAB to Quit Smoking

Ben M.
|
December 30, 2024

When smoking started to steal his future, Simone made a bold choice: he removed cigarettes from his spending plan. Discover how using YNAB helped him quit smoking and focus on what matters.

Don’t Separate Money and “Life”

Dan Cayer
|
December 19, 2024

You work too hard to not care or appreciate how you spend. Dan weighs in on how YNAB breaks down is the artificial barrier between money and the rest of... you.

ADHD Money Management: How to Tear Down The Wall of Awful

Dan Cayer
|
November 27, 2024

Struggling with ADHD and money stress? Dan shares how to break through the barriers keeping you from financial clarity and peace of mind.

20 Money Questions to Ask Yourself After a Big Life Change

Erin Lowell
|
November 21, 2024

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.

10 Last-Minute Halloween Costumes You Can Pull Off with YNAB Confidence

Emily Hudson
|
October 28, 2024

Costume crisis? Not for a YNABer! You and your kids can still look your ghoulish best with these clever DIY costumes—no stress required.

Memories Deliver the Highest ROI

Emily Hudson
|
October 24, 2024

The difference between financial responsibility and financial restriction? One leaves room for joy. Emily explores the critical difference.

An Early Taste of the Daily Grind

Emily Hudson
|
October 17, 2024

Is there someone in your life you think of a penny pincher? Maybe they're just giving every penny a purpose. Emily shares her multi-generation perspective on the important difference.

Can You Pay Me Back? How to Handle Money with Friends

Dan Cayer
|
September 23, 2024

Feeling uneasy about asking friends or family to pay you back? You’re not alone. Discover practical tips from YNAB on how to handle these tricky situations with confidence and clarity.

Confronting Your Past

Dan Cayer
|
July 11, 2024

What does loving yourself have to do with money? Well, everything. Learn how to reflect on your past with compassion and look ahead with optimism.

The Happiness Habits Hidden in Your YNAB Routine

Jack Silk
|
June 27, 2024

Common traits between YNAB and meditation? Jack reveals how the Four Habits weave sneaky wellness benefits into your financial routine.

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