Budgeting has a reputation problem.
For many people, the word itself brings up feelings of restriction, guilt, or the sense that they’re about to be put on some kind of financial diet.
I GET IT. That was my initial reaction to the thought of budgets years ago.
But what if budgeting didn’t have to feel that way? What if, instead of a rigid set of rules, it could actually bring you freedom?
That’s where YNAB (You Need a Budget) comes in. Unlike traditional budgeting methods that focus on cutting back and limiting spending, YNAB takes a values-based approach that gives you flexibility and clarity of your money without the deprivation.
My Journey with Money (and How YNAB Changed Everything)
I first discovered You Need a Budget (YNAB) in 2017 when a friend (who’s also an eating disorder therapist) raved about it. My immediate question?
"Doesn’t tracking your finances feel like tracking calories?"
She assured me it felt nothing like a diet, which got my attention.
At the time, I didn’t have the greatest relationship with money. I wasn’t making much of it, had no system for spending it intentionally (because I thought that would feel restrictive), and often felt guilty about where my money went. I was stuck in a cycle of living paycheck to paycheck with no clear plan.
After some research, I decided to give YNAB a try. I was hooked from day one.
Everything about YNAB - the philosophy, the language, the method - clicked with me. My relationship with money started shifting immediately, and I finally found a way to manage my finances without guilt or restriction.
I didn’t need another system that told me what I should be doing. I needed a tool that helped me make decisions that felt right for me. That’s exactly what YNAB does.
What is YNAB?
YNAB is both a method for managing money and a software tool that helps you implement that method. At its core, YNAB is about creating a mindful, intentional relationship with your money through what they call "Spendfulness."
What is Spendfulness?
Spendfulness is about aligning how you spend your money with how you want to spend your life. It's the state of being present and purposeful with your finances, where spending decisions feel clear and confident rather than stressful or guilt-ridden.
The foundation of this approach is:
Give Every Dollar a Job
When money comes in, you decide what it needs to do for you - whether that's rent, groceries, a future vacation, or a Broadway fund (yupp I have one of those!). This isn't about restriction; it's about intention and clarity. When you know what your money is for, you can spend it confidently and joyfully.
This shift from impulsive to intentional spending changes everything. Instead of wondering if you can afford something or feeling guilty about purchases, you make decisions based on what matters most to you.
If you've struggled to stick with a budget before, YNAB's approach might be exactly what you need. And if you'd like some guidance, I'd love to help. Check out my YNAB Coaching here!
Here's a snapshot of a demo budget in YNAB.
How does this compare to previous budgeting apps you've used?
Spendfulness: The Heart of YNAB
YNAB’s philosophy centers around Spendfulness:
“Spendfulness is a state of alignment between the way you spend your money and the way you want to spend your life. Imagine spending on things you love without guilt, regret, or second-guessing.”
Instead of focusing on restrictions, YNAB helps you prioritize what truly matters so you can spend confidently. It’s about:
❤️ Mindful spending
❤️ Thoughtful saving
❤️ Joyful living
Here's what Spendfulness looks like in practice:
Awareness Without Judgment
Just like mindful eating isn't about judging your food choices, Spendfulness isn't about judging your spending. It's about:
Noticing your spending patterns with curiosity
Understanding what drives your financial decisions
Recognizing what truly brings you joy and satisfaction
Intentional Decision-Making
Spendfulness means:
Spending on things you love without guilt
Saving for your goals without deprivation
Making choices based on your values, not someone else's "shoulds"
Real-Life Example
Let's say you love Broadway shows (like me!). In a traditional budget, this might be labeled as
"entertainment" or even "unnecessary spending." But with YNAB's Spendful approach:
You create a dedicated Broadway category
You decide how much to set aside each month
When you buy tickets, you spend with joy and confidence
No guilt, because you planned for what matters to you
The Freedom of Clarity
When you practice Spendfulness:
You know exactly what your money is for
You can adjust your plan as life changes
You make decisions from a place of empowerment
You experience the joy of spending aligned with your values
You are the best person to decide how to use your money—YNAB simply provides a framework and an app to support your Spendful journey, completely judgment-free.
Why Traditional Budgets Feel Like Diets (And Why YNAB is Different)
Most budgeting methods feel like a set of strict rules: “You can’t spend more than this.” “Cut out all unnecessary expenses.” “Stick to these categories no matter what.”
Sound familiar? It’s the same all-or-nothing thinking that makes diets so unsustainable.
Just like in intuitive eating, when we feel restricted, we rebel. We overspend, feel guilty, and then avoid looking at our finances altogether. Diets don’t work and traditional budgeting methods often fail, too.
YNAB, on the other hand, operates differently:
It’s flexible – If you overspend in one category, you can shift money around.
It’s values-based – Instead of focusing on what you can’t spend, YNAB helps you prioritize what matters most.
It encourages mindfulness – Just like intuitive eating teaches you to listen to your body’s needs, YNAB helps you make financial choices that align with your life.
How YNAB Supports Financial Freedom
Budgeting doesn’t have to be about saying “no” all the time. Instead, it’s about saying yes to the things that truly matter. YNAB helps you move from a scarcity mindset (“I can’t afford this”) to a possibility mindset (“How can I make this work within my priorities?”).
When you have clarity on your finances, you’re able to:
Plan for big expenses without stress
Spend money guilt-free, knowing it aligns with your values
Break the cycle of paycheck-to-paycheck living
In short, you’re in control—not your bank balance.
Why I Became a YNAB Coach
To say that YNAB has changed my life is an understatement. It has given me clarity, confidence, and the ability to spend in alignment with my values.
That’s why I became a Certified YNAB Coach in 2022. I know that YNAB has a learning curve, and sometimes having personalized support makes all the difference.
If you’re ready to shift your relationship with your finances without shame or restriction, I’d love to help.
Wherever you are in your financial journey, I encourage you to meet your money with curiosity and compassion. There is no amount of guilt or shame that will create a more peaceful life—but intention and clarity can.
In fact, I offer all of my clients a “Shame-Free Money Pledge.”
"I commit to treating myself with kindness as I navigate my money journey. My worth is not determined by my spending, saving, or debt."
Budgeting as an Act of Self-Care
At its core, YNAB isn’t about deprivation; it’s about freedom. It’s a system that helps you use your money in a way that supports your life, rather than making you feel like you’re constantly falling short.
Think of it like intuitive eating for your finances: no strict rules, no guilt. Just a framework that helps you make choices that feel good.
So if traditional budgeting has never worked for you, maybe it’s not you 👉 maybe it’s the budget. And maybe YNAB is the fresh, flexible approach you’ve been looking for.
If you’re ready to approach your finances with curiosity, compassion, and a whole lot of freedom, YNAB and I are here to support you every step of the way.
Don't hesitate to reach out anytime if you want to geek out about YNAB with me. I'd love to help you find that balance between clarity and joy in your spending!
P.S. Do you have ADHD? I do!
I was interviewed on the official YNAB podcast about how YNAB is ADHD-friendly and how it aligns with Intuitive Eating principles!
