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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

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.

Evicting the Ghost: How Simone Used YNAB to Quit Smoking

Ben M.
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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
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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.

Memories Deliver the Highest ROI

Emily Hudson
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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
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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
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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
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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.

Confronting Your Past

Dan Cayer
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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
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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
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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
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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
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April 30, 2024

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

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

Ben Barlowe
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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
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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.

Designing Dreams: Janna’s Journey from City to Safari

Emily Hudson
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March 18, 2024

Where will your wildest aspirations take you? See how Janna used YNAB to move from Amsterdam to Africa.

Two Hearts, Four Habits: YNAB Couples Share Their Success Stories

Emily Hudson
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December 26, 2023

Less arguing. More adventures. Fund your future together with four simple habits that will change your relationship with money.

Why A Faithful Mint User Switched to YNAB

Guest Author
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November 9, 2023

YNAB showed us how important awareness still is for our spending, even though we are well beyond paycheck-to-paycheck living.

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True Confessions: Budgeting for Retirement

Rachel Wong
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November 15, 2022

Budgeting for retirement can feel extra tricky. See how Susan uses YNAB in retirement to gain total control of her money.

“We Make Too Much to Be Going Broke.”

A YNABer Somewhere
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February 1, 2022

Feel like you make too much money to be going broke? Learn how one family went from almost broke to nearly debt-free & stress-free with YNAB!

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The Most Honest Account of $80K in Student Loan Debt You’ll Hear

Tristan Henry-Wilson
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March 5, 2021

Well after 20 years, I paid off all my student loans. It wasn’t easy, but I made every payment on time. I couldn't have done it without YNAB.

How I Got a Handle on My Finances

Rachel Wong
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February 5, 2021

Andrew Abela has an MBA, a PhD, and managed a multi-million dollar budget at work, but his personal finances were stressful.

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9 Inspiring Financial Stories

Rachel Wong
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January 14, 2021

Looking for some inspiring financial stories? We've rounded up nine of our favorite money stories to encourage, inspire, and motivate.

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How Two People Fell in Love Thanks to Budgeting

Rachel Wong
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February 7, 2020

This couple met in the unlikeliest of ways: through YNAB, a budgeting app. See how two budgeters manage finances together.

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“I Was That Girl”—The Turnaround Story of Dana Kay

Rachel Wong
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November 25, 2019

One woman's random act of kindness made her realize how far she had come in finally breaking the paycheck to paycheck cycle.

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How Budgeting Was the Secret to Finally Quit Smoking

Rachel Wong
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October 22, 2019

Melissa Schultz has smoked for as long as she can remember. Believe it or not, budgeting is what finally helped. Find out how.

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