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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Experiences Age Like Wine, Things Age Like Milk

Ben Barlowe
|
November 7, 2024

Discover the psychology behind why we so often prioritize things over experiences. The "Ben's" of YNAB dive into some practical tip to prioritize memory-making.

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
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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.

When Human Math Beats Real Math

Ben Barlowe
|
April 25, 2024

Sometimes, the mathematically right choice is actually the wrong choice. Personal finance is personal, and we often should make financial decisions based on more than math.

Hello, It’s Me (Minus the Money Stress): A Tale of Treats & Travel

Ashley McCann
|
January 5, 2024

Is an impromptu trip to Italy irresponsible? Not always. Learn how YNAB helped one woman organize her finances in a way that offered new opportunities.

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

Erin Lowell
|
November 22, 2021

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.

How To Pay Off $20,000 Car Loan Fast: 4 Simple Tips

YNAB
|
November 2, 2021

Amanda found herself with a $20,000 car loan, and she didn't love the feeling. Find out how she paid off her car loan fast with 4 quick tips.

Money and Mental Health: Budgeting as Self-Care

Ashley McCann
|
July 21, 2021

Like it or not, money and mental health are closely linked. Let’s look at how to simplify life’s complicated emotions with basic budgeting.

6 Money Lessons I Wish I Had Learned As a Newlywed

Rachel Wong
|
May 12, 2021

When I first got married, money was a hot topic, full of accusing looks and thorny fights. Now? We've hit our groove. Here's what I learned.

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