How Do I Get Started with YNAB?

Introduction

You’ve heard about YNAB (You Need a Budget) and its reputation for helping people take control of their finances. But when you first open the app, it might feel overwhelming—where do you even begin? Don’t worry. This guide will walk you through setting up your first budget in YNAB so you can start making progress with your money right away.

Quick Answer (TL;DR)

To get started with YNAB, follow these steps:

1. Sign up for YNAB and log into the web or mobile app.
2. Create a new budget and set up your accounts (linked or manual).
3. Enter your available money (not your expected income).
4. Assign every dollar a job in your budget categories.
5. Track your spending by importing transactions or entering them manually.
6. Adjust as needed—roll with the punches and tweak categories.

Step-by-Step Guide

‍Step 1: Sign Up & Access YNAB

‍If you haven’t already, create a YNAB account. They offer a 34-day free trial, so you can test it out risk-free. You can access YNAB via the web or download the mobile app for iOS or Android.

‍Step 2: Create Your Budget & Add Accounts

‍When you first log in, YNAB will prompt you to create a budget. You have two options for adding accounts:

• Linked Accounts: Connect your bank for automatic transaction imports.
• Manual Accounts: Enter transactions yourself (ideal for cash or if you prefer manual control).

If you're new to budgeting, starting with a manual setup can help you learn the system without automation overwhelming you. If you're balances in YNAB, don't match your bank balances, make sure you reconcile your accounts regularly.

‍Step 3: Enter Your Available Money

‍One of YNAB’s biggest mindset shifts is budgeting with the money you currently have, not money you expect to earn. Enter your bank balance as it stands today. This is your starting point.

‍Step 4: Assign Every Dollar a Job

‍YNAB operates on the principle that every dollar you have should be assigned a purpose. Start by funding essential categories:

• Immediate Obligations: Rent/mortgage, utilities, groceries, transportation
• True Expenses: Annual bills, car maintenance, medical expenses
• Savings Goals: Emergency fund, vacation, major purchases
• Fun Money: Entertainment, dining out, hobbies

Don’t worry if you can’t fund everything right away—you’ll adjust as you go.

‍Step 5: Track Your Spending

‍To keep your budget accurate, you need to track your spending. YNAB allows you to:

• Manually enter transactions as you spend
• Import transactions from your bank (if linked)
• Use the mobile app to quickly add purchases on the go

Keeping up with this regularly will ensure your budget reflects reality.

‍Step 6: Adjust & Refine

‍Budgeting is flexible. If you overspend in one category, YNAB encourages you to move money from another category to cover it. This is called rolling with the punches and helps you stay on track even when unexpected expenses arise.Personal InsightWhen I first started using YNAB, I felt frustrated that I couldn’t fund everything at once. But I quickly realized that budgeting isn’t about perfection—it’s about prioritization. As I consistently used YNAB, I started seeing progress: bills felt less stressful, I saved more than ever before, and I finally felt in control of my money. If you stick with it, you’ll likely experience the same.Next StepsReady to give YNAB a shot? Start by setting up your budget today, and if you need extra guidance, I offer personalized YNAB coaching to help you master your money with confidence. Schedule a free call here.