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Money Stories

Money Stories

Talking about money is taboo? Not here. Read real stories from real people. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and most of all—you’ll feel understood.

Talking about money is taboo? Not here. Read real stories from real people. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and most of all—you’ll feel understood.

Read real life money stories

She WAMed Her Way to the Grammys: A Swiftie’s Financial Fairytale With YNAB

Discover how a die-hard Swiftie won GRAMMY tickets and financed her dream trip with YNAB. Spoiler: she gets seated just one table away from Taylor Swift herself!

How Brian and Leann Got Maui’d: A Second Chance at YNAB

Brian and Leann used YNAB to save for an amazing wedding and honeymoon, but the real win was the way the experience brought them closer together.

Financial Freedom, Generosity, and the Power of YNAB: Eric’s Story

This is the story of how Eric A. used YNAB to donate a staggering 60% of their income in the first half of 2023 and found lasting peace and contentment along the way.

6 Money Myths That Kept Me Broke for 20 Years

Erin Lowell
|
June 19, 2025

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.

When Basic Personal Finance Advice Steers You Wrong

Dan Cayer
|
June 12, 2025

What does mindfulness have to do with money? Dan found the answer lying down in a meditation hall—and it changed how he spends, plans, and lives.

How One Couple Used YNAB to Dine at 100 NYC Restaurants in a Year

Cora Van Leeuwen
|
May 27, 2025

What if eating at 100 restaurants in a year didn’t feel reckless—but rewarding? One NYC couple used their YNAB plan to savor every bite without sacrificing their financial peace.

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.

How We Built a More Spendful Life

Rachel Wong
|
February 20, 2025

Behind the chaos was years of quiet, intentional choices that made Rachel's dream a reality. Here’s how she built her spendful life—and how you can too.

It’s Never “Just” Money

Ashley McCann
|
January 27, 2025

Why do people rise to their best when circumstances are at their worst? Join Ashley to discover the deeper meaning of spendfulness and learn how to become wealthy in what matters.

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.

A Spendful Move: Sarah’s Story

Sarah Aspinall
|
December 27, 2024

What other's say is financially "smart" might not be the right choice for you. See what happened when Sarah viewed a big life change through the lens of spendfulness.

No Regrets: Money Well-Spent Stories

Emily Hudson
|
December 26, 2024

No regrets, just dollars doing their job. From pizza nights to big adventures, these YNABers show how spendfulness can bring clarity, confidence, and joy to your financial life.

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.

How to Save $30,000 in One Year: Our 3-Step Plan

Jacob Lewis
|
October 12, 2024

Jacob and Connor saved $30,000 in one year for a down payment. Here's the three-step plan that turbocharged their saving.

How to Quit Should’ing on Yourself About Spending

Dan Cayer
|
October 10, 2024

The time is nigh to let go of unrealistic expectations and embrace your true spending habits. Discover how to find joy in intentional, guilt-free choices.

More Money Challenge: Get Motivated by Ashley’s Journey

Emily Hudson
|
August 8, 2024

Ashley L. shares her journey through YNAB's More Money Challenge, saving over $1,100 and realigning her spending with her values. Follow her tips to start your own reset!

You Can Do Big Things!

Erin Lowell
|
July 18, 2024

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.

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.

Life Is Short. Spend It Well.

Sarah Schweisthal
|
June 25, 2024

In an instant, shocking news altered Sarah's reality. Discover how facing mortality transformed her outlook on money.

How Not to Lose Your Mind Over a Single Purchase

Dan Cayer
|
May 27, 2024

Understanding the trade-offs of any decision will make you wiser (especially if you happen to get obsessed with buying a backpack).

Struggling with Money? Don’t Isolate.

Dan Cayer
|
April 30, 2024

You are not alone! Learn how to navigate financial challenges with transparency and community.

My Emergency Sunshine Category and 12 Other Ways to Take Care of Yourself with YNAB

Emily Hudson
|
April 5, 2024

Celebrating National Self-Care Day! Learn how to use your YNAB spending plan to support the most important person in your life: YOU.

Financial Freedom, Generosity, and the Power of YNAB: Eric’s Story

Ben Barlowe
|
April 4, 2024

This is the story of how Eric A. used YNAB to donate a staggering 60% of their income in the first half of 2023 and found lasting peace and contentment along the way.

How Brian and Leann Got Maui’d: A Second Chance at YNAB

Ben Barlowe
|
March 26, 2024

Brian and Leann used YNAB to save for an amazing wedding and honeymoon, but the real win was the way the experience brought them closer together.

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