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My Income is Inconsistent

You might think it’s impossible to budget, but it might be the best thing you can do.

Gain Total Control of Your Money

Life feels like a bumpy ride when it seems like you’re always living between feast and famine. It’s just plain stressful to not know if you’ll be able to pay the bills next month.

We can’t change the fact that you don’t know exactly when or how much you will get paid, but we can teach you to be in total control of your money for less financial stress.

We Are Here to Help

We know inconsistent income can be a wild ride, but there’s a way to tame your unpredictable inflows and get your money under control. Want to know how? We’ll show you step-by-step. 

  • 1. Try YNAB

    Sign up for a free 34-day trial. Poke around a bit in our software and free content. Decide if you like us.

  • 2. Create Your Budget

    We’ll help you set up a budget so you can predict your spending and know where you stand.

  • 3. Build Security

    Watch as your buffer builds and feel financially secure for (maybe) the first time ever.

You Can Budget When Your Income is Inconsistent

Kat was dealing with the wild rollercoaster of variable income. While managing money with sporadic paydays seemed like a beast she would never slay, she got a month ahead of her expenses and finally felt like she was in control.

  • I Mastered My Variable Income

    I can handle day-to-day finances so much better. But even better, I can prioritize longer-term savings goals and retirement.”

    —Kat

What’s Your Money Pain Point? We Can Help!

  • Help! My Income is All Over the Place!

    You might think it’s impossible to budget because you make wildly different amounts from one month to another. Here’s how to slay the variable income dragon.
  • Help! How Do I Handle Unexpected Expenses?

    Your car breaks down, or a medical expense comes up. These surprises are especially challenging with a variable income. What can you do? Turns out…a few things!
  • Help! I Don’t Know What I Can Afford!

    When your income is up, it is tempting to feel like you can afford anything and everything! But when it is down, you are stressed. Learn how to toe the line.

Practical Tools For Mastering Irregular Income

  • Read the Full Guide

    This easy-to-follow guide will take you through how to budget on a variable income.

    Read More
  • Read the Series

    This comprehensive eight-part series will take you through how to budget on a variable income.

    Read Now
  • Learn the Four Rules

    Learn about YNAB’s Method for money management in this approachable, bite-sized video course.

    Watch Video Course
  • Get Answers

    Our teachers will show you how to budget no matter when you get paid next. Ask your questions and get answers in real time.

    Join Live Q&A

See Real Budgets with Variable Income

  • My Budget on Variable Income

    Budget Queen had a highly variable income as a graphic designer and her and her husband Mr. Swiper lived paycheck to paycheck for years. Now they’re a month ahead with their money, paying off debt, and saving for a house.
  • My Small Business Generates Irregular Income

    See how a full-time RVer and small business owner gains control over her unpredictable monthly income as she explores the country (with three wifi subscriptions).

Recommended Resources

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  • The Dangers of Forecasting on an Irregular Income

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  • Planning for Non-Monthly Expenses on an Irregular Income

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  • How To Expect The Unexpected

    We can’t change the fact that you don’t know exactly when or how much you will get paid, but we can teach you to be in total control of your money, and stop stressing about it! This eight-part series will teach you exactly how to budget successfully and get ahead, variable income and all. Get …

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  • Change Your Mind, Change Your Budget

    We can’t change the fact that you don’t know exactly when or how much you will get paid, but we can teach you to be in total control of your money, and stop stressing about it! This eight-part series will teach you exactly how to budget successfully and get ahead, variable income and all. Hopefully, …

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  • The Importance of Aging Your Money When Your Income is Unpredictable

    We can’t change the fact that you don’t know exactly when or how much you will get paid, but we can teach you to be in total control of your money, and stop stressing about it! This eight-part series will teach you exactly how to budget successfully and get ahead, variable income and all. On …

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  • No More Excuses

    We can’t change the fact that you don’t know exactly when or how much you will get paid, but we can teach you to be in total control of your money, and stop stressing about it! This eight-part series will teach you exactly how to budget successfully and get ahead, variable income and all. You …

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Master Inconsistent Income

You can get off the rollercoaster of irregular income, while still doing the work you love with a budget. So what do you have to lose? (Other than all that debt and stress, of course…)