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YNAB has the concept of a "buffer", which is just the idea that you have enough in your checking account to pay for an entire month on the first of the month. T

by zrail 11y ago

YNAB has the concept of a "buffer", which is just the idea that you have enough in your checking account to pay for an entire month on the first of the month. That way, your bills come out of your buffer and your paychecks replenish it. This is separate from the idea of an emergency or rainy day fund, which should be an additional 3-6 months expenses in an easy-to-access account, like a linked savings account. I realize that if you're currently living paycheck-to-paycheck this can seem daunting. Definitely check out the video lessons on the YNAB site, and think about buying the software. There's probably a way to implement it in Quicken, but I have no idea. https://www.youneedabudget.com/support/training-and-education https://www.youneedabudget.com/support/training-and-educatio...

lfowles 11y ago
I was writing something longer, but essentially +1 YNAB. The videos you refer to also go over how to build up that buffer while you're living paycheck to paycheck. Some might be turned off by having to manually input charges, by having to plan a budget each month, by being offended that they "could do the same thing in a weekend with Excel", but it's the best solution I've found for my wife and I. Not automated enough that we get disconnected from finances, but smart enough that we can easily see where we stand and run a few reports on our spending. The system is pretty flexible, there's no need to categorize every stick of gum you buy, just use your best judgement and try not to cheat yourself.
dddrh 11y ago
Another +1 to YNAB here. You can get the 30 trial and extend it another 30 days if you ask. Additionally, Steam will put it on sale during the holidays so it can be bought for a reduced price through that platform. What I like most about YNAB is the flexibility. It can be hard at times to follow the rules they set, but that is one of the rules! 'Roll with the punches'.

by zrail 11y ago

lfowles 11y ago

I was writing something longer, but essentially +1 YNAB. The videos you refer to also go over how to build up that buffer while you're living paycheck to paycheck. Some might be turned off by having to manually input charges, by having to plan a budget each month, by being offended that they "could do the same thing in a weekend with Excel", but it's the best solution I've found for my wife and I. Not automated enough that we get disconnected from finances, but smart enough that we can easily see where we stand and run a few reports on our spending. The system is pretty flexible, there's no need to categorize every stick of gum you buy, just use your best judgement and try not to cheat yourself.

dddrh 11y ago

Another +1 to YNAB here. You can get the 30 trial and extend it another 30 days if you ask. Additionally, Steam will put it on sale during the holidays so it can be bought for a reduced price through that platform. What I like most about YNAB is the flexibility. It can be hard at times to follow the rules they set, but that is one of the rules! 'Roll with the punches'.