Why Don't My YNAB Numbers Match My Bank Account?

Introduction

You log into YNAB, expecting everything to match your bank account perfectly—only to find discrepancies that don’t add up. Frustrating, right? You’re not alone! Many YNAB users experience mismatches between their budget and bank balances, especially when they are first getting started with YNAB. This guide will walk you through the most common reasons for discrepancies and how to fix them.

Quick Answer (TL;DR)

YNAB and your bank account may not match due to:

1. Pending transactions that haven’t cleared yet.
2. Missed transactions that weren’t entered manually or didn’t import.
3. Duplicate transactions from manual entry and auto-import.
4. Incorrect starting balances when setting up an account.
5. Reconciliation issues when past transactions don’t align.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

‍Step 1: Check for Pending Transactions

‍Your bank balance includes pending transactions, while YNAB only reflects cleared transactions. If a transaction is still pending, it won't show in YNAB until it clears. Wait for pending transactions to post before reconciling.

‍Step 2: Look for Missed Transactions

‍If your YNAB balance is higher than your bank balance, you might have forgotten to enter a transaction. Check for any transactions missing from YNAB and manually add them if necessary. One common mistake is involves credit card payments, which don't require a category in YNAB because they are technically transfers between two accounts.

‍Step 3: Identify Duplicate Transactions

‍Sometimes, users enter transactions manually and later import them from their bank, causing duplicates. Review your transaction history and delete any unnecessary duplicates.

‍Step 4: Verify Your Starting Balance

‍If your account was set up incorrectly, your starting balance may be off. Double-check your initial balance entry and adjust it if needed.

‍Step 5: Reconcile Your Accounts

‍Reconciliation ensures YNAB matches your bank. Use YNAB’s “Reconcile” feature to compare balances and resolve any discrepancies by marking transactions as cleared or adjusting balances.

Personal Insight

When I first started using YNAB, I struggled with mismatches and felt like I was doing something wrong. It turned out my issue was pending transactions and occasional duplicate entries. Once I got into the habit of reconciling regularly, everything started making sense, and budgeting became much less stressful.

Next Steps

To keep your YNAB budget aligned with reality, make reconciliation a regular habit. If you’re still struggling with mismatched balances and need expert guidance, I offer YNAB coaching to help you master your budget with confidence. Schedule a free call here.