Financial Independence

The Best Gifts to Pair With a YNAB Gift Subscription

A YNAB gift subscription is already powerful. But money confidence paired with a cozy mug, a good book, or a heartfelt note? That’s a gift they’ll remember forever.

Emily Hudson

November 28, 2025

From College Freshman to Financial Freedom: Lucas’s Journey

Lucas started college with just $363 in his account. Four years later, he had his own apartment, great credit, and complete financial independence—thanks to YNAB. His story shows how small, intentional choices can create a spendful life.

Ben Barlowe

August 14, 2025

How to Make Your Money Go Further (Without Making More)

You deserve to get the most from your money. That’s why it’s vital to squeeze maximum satisfaction from every precious paycheck. Jack tells you how.

Jack Silk

February 27, 2025

ADHD Money Management: How to Tear Down The Wall of Awful

Struggling with ADHD and money stress? Dan shares how to break through the barriers keeping you from financial clarity and peace of mind.

Dan Cayer

November 27, 2024

Can You Pay Me Back? How to Handle Money with Friends

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.

Dan Cayer

September 23, 2024

Is the FIRE Movement for You?

If you want to reach financial independence with rocket booster power, having a FIRE budget to track and optimize your savings rate is key.

Rachel Wong

November 9, 2021

How to Become Independently Wealthy

Financial independence is attainable. The real question is: do you have what it takes to get there with your priorities intact?

Ryan Lewis

January 26, 2018

Are You Working For A Paycheck Or Your Freedom?

The more money we have saved, the more we budget for the future, and the more respect we have for every dollar, the more options we have.

Lindsey Burgess

September 5, 2016

The Hidden Benefits of Being Debt Free

My father is also a financial advisor. About 12 years ago he had a couple in their early thirties come into his office. They owned a business and were now at the point where they wanted to start saving and planning for their future.

Guest Author

June 12, 2008

The Automatic Millionaire Strategy and YNAB

As many readers probably already know, we’re now a “working” family and no longer part of the student life that we grew to love over the past several years. I’ve recently written about the change to expenses that can happen with income rising even a little bit.

Jesse Mecham

September 28, 2006

Gravy Money (or Passive Income) and Why I Love It

Gravy money should not be consumed, but should be used to purchase appreciable assets like investments or additiona. income opportunity.

Jesse Mecham

March 20, 2013

How Debt Is Like a Swarm of Killer Bees

I challenge everyone to question every assumption and start attacking your debt like it’s an emergency – because it is. And then get that savings rate up.

Jesse Mecham

October 12, 2013

A 50% Savings Rate is Impossible...Isn’t it?

I may never achieve a 50% savings rate (as Mr. Money Mustache encourages). But it’s such a compelling ideal that I’ve resolved to start generally wandering in that direction.

Jesse Mecham

October 10, 2013

Jesse Interviews Mr. Money Mustache: The Full Transcript

A second interview, where we dive into some other topics, is available here as Podcast Episode 96. Jesse: Okay, I’m here with Mr. Money Mustache, from MrMoneyMustache.

Jesse Mecham

October 7, 2013

How to Calculate Your Personal Savings Rate

I want a fat purse, and I like the simplicity of taking 10 cents of every dollar earned and saving it for the future. Learn how much to save.

Jesse Mecham

August 14, 2013