Author: Natalie Bright
Are you struggling with your finances? Or maybe you have a problem with how money leaves your account. Either way: if you need help in designing a real-time budget that works, Our You Need A Budget (YNBA) review may help you make the right decision.
You Need a Budget (YNAB)
You Need A Budget (YNAB) is a budgeting and money management app that enables users to take a proactive stance on how they handle their money.
According to the company, the average user saves $600 in their first two months and $6,000 in their first year.
Started in 2004, YNAB allows users to create budgets and also save. Instead of utilizing traditional budgeting buckets, as a YNAB user, you can monitor your money closely without hassle, thanks to its technological advancement.
How It Works
YNAB employs an assertive approach to budgeting. Users are proactively involved in adding expenses, setting goals, and modifying budgets when necessary.
When you link your financial accounts to the YNAB application, it automatically syncs with your credit cards, bank accounts, and investment accounts.
However, linking these to your YNAB account is not compulsory but it can save you the stress of manually adding transactions to your YNAB account.
Unlike most budgeting apps that categorize your expenses for you, YNAB allows users to decide where each dollar gets allotted, according to their priorities.
By specifying each dollar a “job”, you’re applying a proactive approach to money management, and you’ll have a detailed map of where your money goes.
For example, a family member wants to get dinner, so instead of taking funds directly from your checking account without thinking, you would reference your “Eating Out” category and see if you have enough to fund dinner. If your balance reads “too low”, that’s a signal you don’t have enough to afford dinner.
Pricing
YNBA’s offering is a paid service and it’s one of the most expensive to use. Users are to pay $11.99 monthly or $99 annually.
Fortunately, it comes with a 100% money-back guarantee, in case you find yourself unsatisfied with the app.
There is also a 34-day free trial to allow people to test the app before deciding to pay for it. No credit card is needed for you to register for the free trial.
Security
Security will always be a top priority when you connect your financial information to software. YNAB recognizes this and employs standard practices and security measures to protect its users.
The app’s security features include encrypted data 2FA, augmented login measures, and standard security protocols.
Users can also contact the YNBA security team to confirm any other security-related inquiries.
Availability
The YNBA is compatible with several devices. The app started as a desktop-only application but has expanded and now includes:
- iPhone
- iPad
- iPod Touch
- Apple Watch
- Amazon Echo
- Alexa
- Google Play (Android)
Pros
- Automatic and Manual linking options.
- The app comes with a 34-day free trial.
- YNAB is available across several platforms.
Cons
- Customer reviews show that it takes longer to create an account compared to other budgeting apps.
- No bill tracking feature.
- More costly than most other budgeting apps.
Summary
YNAB is a budgeting app that lets you take complete control of your finances. Its hands-on budgeting approach makes you more purposeful in your saving and spending behaviors.
If you need to get out of debt and stop living on one paycheck to another, then YNBA may be the right choice for you. If you are interested in engaging in your finances today, opt for the free trial and see if this money management tool works for you.