Experts & Personalities

Jesse Mecham created YNAB to change how people relate to money—not by budgeting tighter, but by living bigger. What began as a simple spreadsheet to cover rent as a newlywed has grown into a spendfulness movement. Now over 20 years strong, YNAB has evolved from a one-man operation into a thriving, global team with a celebrated remote culture—recognized as Fortune’s #1 best small company to work for.

Jesse is the Wall Street Journal best-selling author of You Need A Budget and host of the top-rated “The Jesse Mecham Show” (with over 8 million downloads) and “Beginning Balance” podcasts.

His work has been featured in Forbes, The New York Times, CNBC, and more, challenging the status quo by encouraging people to see money as an extension of their values and goals. And while YNAB has achieved “cult-favorite” status, as described by The TODAY Show, his biggest pride remains his family. With his wife Julie and seven children to share it with, Jesse lives what he teaches—embracing a life full of purpose, woodworking, travel, and the occasional donut. 

To learn more, visit www.ynab.com.

Todd Curtis is the CEO of YNAB, a spendfulness app that helps people live with purpose and spend with intention. With a degree in history from Colby College and a doctorate in education from Boston College, Todd has always been in the business of empowering others to thrive. 

Before joining YNAB, he spent nearly two decades in education—a perfect warm-up for transforming YNAB’s customer support into an award-winning, people-first experience. He then took the helm of product development, making sure every pixel and feature lived up to YNAB’s mission, before stepping up as CEO.

These days, Todd is laser-focused on spreading the magic of spendfulness and cultivating a culture of innovation. As an ultra runner, he knows that great things—whether it’s crossing a 100-mile finish line or leading a thriving global team—require grit, stamina, and heart.

When Todd isn’t obsessing over the YNAB Method, you’ll find him running (more), perfecting the art of coffee brewing, or outsmarting weeds in his New England garden. For him, spendfulness isn’t just for YNAB users. It’s how he approaches work, family, and every mile in between.

As the face of YNAB’s thriving TikTok community, Sarah Schweisthal has turned over half a million followers into believers that money isn’t about restriction; it’s about possibility. Her savvy grocery hacks, wellness challenges, and financial win celebrations have earned her features on CBS News and the New York Post.

What truly sets Sarah apart is her openness. She invites her followers along for the journey, showing how aligning spending with priorities can be a gateway to living fully—especially when life doesn’t go according to plan. And the people want more!

When she’s not creating viral content, Sarah lives what she teaches—traveling the country in an RV with her husband and two kids, exploring new places, and homeschooling like a boss. For Sarah, money should work as hard for you as you do for it.

Ben Markley brings humor and clarity to the world of money psychology as the creator of Sketchy Advice on YNAB’s YouTube channel, @ynabofficial. A former high school teacher, Ben knows how to captivate audiences with wit and wisdom, breaking down complex financial topics in a way that’s both entertaining and easy to understand. His engaging take on spendfulness has earned recognition from USA TODAY, Fast Company, and more.

Before finding YNAB, Ben was stuck in the loop of second-guessing every purchase, constantly asking, “Can I afford this?” Now, he’s proof that the YNAB Method can rewrite your money story—forever.

Based in Kansas with his wife and two kids, Ben spends his downtime hiking, reading fantasy novels, and making music. Whether teaching, exploring, or riffing on his guitar, Ben believes that spendfulness is truly knowing yourself, and spending accordingly.

Ashley Lapato is a money and lifestyle expert for YNAB, a spendfulness app and method that helps people align their money with their priorities. Once convinced she was “just bad with money,” Ashley discovered YNAB and transformed her financial story. Now, she’s on a mission to show others that spendfulness is a state of mind anyone can achieve—at any stage of life.

On TikTok, Ashley has built a loyal following of 80,000 (and growing!) as the creator of The Organized Wallet. Her relatable, down-to-earth approach has helped hundreds of thousands of viewers simplify their finances, spend with confidence, and embrace mindful money habits.

When she’s not creating content, Ashley shares her grounded expertise with publications like The Skimm and Her Money. In her downtime, she enjoys curling up with a good book, experimenting with photography, and testing her “outdoor girl” persona with her husband—while her two cats insist on royalties for their frequent cameos.

Ben Barlowe is a beloved personality at YNAB, the spendfulness app that helps people change the way they think about money. As the co-host of the weekly podcast Budget Nerds, Ben brings humor, insight, and a deep love of problem-solving to help others master the YNAB Method.

Once burdened by financial fear, Ben discovered YNAB and used it to rewrite his money story. Today, he’s on a mission to help others achieve their goals and live spendfully, whether he’s hosting Instagram Lives or writing content that shifts perspectives.

Outside of his work at YNAB, Ben is a historian at heart and a self-proclaimed nerd in all the best ways. You’ll find him playing poker, D&D, and board games with friends, or performing in local theater productions. At home, he’s immersed in life with his wife, four kids, and a Great Dane who’s convinced she’s a lap dog. In a rare free moment, he’s probably swimming or trying not to wipe out on his Onewheel.

Ernie Reppe is a fan-favorite educator at YNAB, the spendfulness app that helps people live more fully and spend smarter. As one-half of the dynamic duo behind Budget Nerds, a bi-weekly podcast, Ernie combines his expertise with humor and heart to make money management approachable for all.

For both novice and seasoned YNABers, Ernie is a trusted guide for mastering the YNAB method and building lasting money confidence. Detail-oriented and proud of it, Ernie’s passion for precision extends beyond money—he’s been known to trim his lawn with scissors. When he’s not fine-tuning his home or staying busy with his wife, teenage sons, and their dog, you’ll find him cheering on the Minnesota Vikings with unwavering loyalty.

Hannah Maser is the beloved personality behind Heard it from Hannah, a hit YouTube series on @ynabofficial. Known for her quick wit and love of a good money pun, Hannah has a knack for turning financial “aha” moments into relatable life lessons. With millions of views and a loyal following, she’s often the reason people fall in love with YNAB in the first place.

Through YNAB, Hannah discovered that money isn’t something to fear—it’s a gateway to living your best life. Whether she’s breaking down how to manage money with a partner or making emergency funds sound exciting, Hannah is normalizing “taboo” money topics and challenging financial norms with her trademark humor and authenticity.

When she’s not helping people live more spendfully, she’s doing so herself! Hannah spends her time disc golfing with her husband, making memories with her baby boy, or chasing the thrill of the hunt for a good pair of sneakers.