You Need a Budget: The Proven System for Breaking the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle, Getting Out of Debt, and Living the Life You Want – A WSJ Bestselling Financial Guide

Love this book and love the program. Definitely recommend if you want to get out of debt

I bought the hardback book quite a while ago, probably when it was original published, and later bought the kindle version with the intention of finally getting it read. My family does use the old YNAB 4 to manage our budget so I was already familiar with the 4 Rules and felt pretty comfortable with the process we have already going. I finally read the book in January 2020. It was quite the boost to me at the time. It helped me remember that the budget process is for my benefit, and being flexible is key to being able to happily manage my income. I feel the examples are realistic and apply to most people who work for a living. I feel that the book was upbeat and positive. I feel more hopeful and optimistic after reading it. I would recommend the book if you are looking for a guilt free system to manage your money based on your personal priorities. I would not recommend the book if you are looking for a set it and forget money management solution. Being successful for your priorities will require work and effort on your part, and this book can be part of that, but it is no magic pill.

I discovered YNAB late last year. We had tried other tools, envelopes, spreadsheets, Mint, Quicken, MS Money, etc.; none worked. This takes methodologies, like Dave Ramsey's and add to it the much-needed flexibility to make it actually work. No budgeting system works unless you stick to it. YNAB is such a system. In the book, Jesse does a great job of talking about the methodology behind the software, and not about the software itself. While I'm a happy user of the software, this methodology could be used on a spreadsheet if needed. Jesse really hits home on the "WHY" of budgeting, as well as the "HOW." He also conveys quite well the benefits of doing each, and it's not about having more money, it's about having more control, and less worry. Which actually leads to more money!! If you're worried when you swipe your debit card if you get stressed checking your account balance if you have more bills than money, this book is for you. Since using this methodology I have so little money stress it allows me to think more rationally about where my money goes, and where it needs to go. If you never used or intend to use this software, the book is still a worthy read.

Included here is a guide to stop living paycheck to paycheck. Society as a whole is taught to go out and make money, but not how to use money. This book contains tools to use to help. Budgeting is not restrictive. Along with the ides mentioned here, it is a way to focus on what we want to spend our money on.

Jesse Mecham takes time to give an in-depth explanation of the Four Rules of YNAB. Each chapter I finished made me feel more confident that mastering YNAB is where I should be investing my time. Mecham’s writing style is endearing. His book is filled with heartfelt stories of YNABers confronting challenges and achieving inspiring victories. It is hard to put down, and easy to read with brilliant summaries that close each chapter. I would love to give this book and a subscription to family and friends. There is nothing more poignant than to hear Mecham answer so many of my questions and offer such a fun solution.

I wish wish wish I would’ve read this before I went to college and got in debt with student loans…the earlier you read this the better but it’s never too late to start. This is honestly one of the best books that offers practical, realistic, and effective advice for everyone. But particularly I really like the stories he uses of people who make less than 100k a year or less and how they manage to get out of debt and save. Cannot thank this author enough for writing this book. I have already started making a monthly budget that will most likely change depending on what I need and costs are at the time. This books is so simple but genius, also like the humor in it. It doesn’t feel gimmicky or over the top like some financial gurus out there sound. Spend $15-20 bucks on this book and if you implement his advice you’ll live a stressed free life. This books needs to be a required reading in schools specially in title 1 schools, some students do not have the luxury to become knowledgeable on setting a budget as money outlook almost seems hereditary! But know that it doesn’t have to be this way thank goodness!

I picked up this book to prepare to begin using the YNAB software. After reading the book, I remain convinced that Jesse is on to something and plan to use the software. However, there are some major contradictions in the advice that Jesse gives and the real-life examples that he provides as proof of concept. First, most of Jesse's subjects are two-income households. It seems easier to face down debt with two revenue streams. Another example that Jesse purports is a success story involved the experience of a woman who participates in MLM sales as a second job. MLM companies encourage women to view this sort of "side hustle" as a path to financial freedom but statistics show that the vast majority of MLM distributors and up in debt, the thing Jesse says he hates the most. Can't afford independent living or pay for your wedding? Move in with family and mooch off of them to free up income to meet your savings goals and tackle debt! Surely, Mom and Dad won't mind. Lastly, Jesse's ideas about not saving for the college educations of any of his children are downright irresponsible parenting. Even technical and State colleges are expensive these days and not everyone has an aptitude that will lead to major scholarship dollars. What I came away with after finishing this book was solid budgeting advice and a bird's eye view into the very narrow worldview of the author. Though I have no doubt in the principles of YNAB, it was disappointing to see example after unrealistic example of how to cut down on expenses and budget effectively..

Thank you thank you thank you thank you chinook is a wonderful companion and support I’m authoring a clear and more wonderful life for me and relationships

E' un libro che tutti dovremmo leggere, investendo tempo per migliorare le nostre finanze personali. Mi è piaciuto molto.

Me encantó el enfoque hacía algo que muchas personas deberían de hacer; pero no hacen por mil razones, su presupuesto. El acercamiento del libro hacia el tema es muy práctico, y sobre todo, nos incentiva a llevar a cabo y mantener el buen hábito de presupuestar.

This should be compulsory reading in high school to teach our children the art of budgeting and leading a more rewarding life rather than living with the stress of a never ending cycle of debt.

I constantly read sections of this book when I need to figure things out for my budget or just get myself back in the budget Groove. Everything in here makes complete sense and is super easy for anybody to just do right away and make a huge difference it's an amazing system in an amazing book

I rarely sit down to write reviews anymore, but I have to for YNAB. I started budgeting with YNAB in 2013 after a lifetime of uncontrolled and irresponsible spending of money I either just got or didn't have, and I was experiencing considerable anxiety and fear around money. I had just moved out of my parents' house and had to find my own way in life financially, with all-new responsibilities. YNAB literally saved my financial life. I love it. I love that I can plan ahead. I love that I have order in my life. I love that I can play and feel around with the money I have. Since 2013 I have turned my net worth around, from -xx.xxx,- to +xx.xxx,-, and financially I am now almost totally stress-free. YNAB has allowed me not to "save for a rainy day" but to plan ahead, taking all the little and big irregular expenses into account and put them one stress-free budget. Can I live off the money I have today for the next 6 months without missing out on anything? Yes! Fridge quits working, laptop implodes - don't worry, replacements are within budget! Gas/Electricity for 2021 (!) are taken care of and in the budget now. Now that's freedom! The money I earn this August will probably be spent sometime next year. What a relief! I don't even look at my bank balance anymore - because that's not what's available to me now. Only YNABers know the freedom a bit of planning brings. Budgeting doesn't feel restrictive, it's the freedom to see what's ahead, even if I have to make an adjustment here or there. YNAB has turned out to be one of the very best decisions I have made in my adult life. The book lays out Jesse's philosophy quite nicely, and thank god it wasn't just an ad for the software, since you could do all of it in an Excel spreadsheet, but the software is quite simply amazing and fun, so do yourself a favour and get it. You won't regret it.