Can I Afford This? | YNAB Budgeting Trick

[@sherrylynnbishop8007]

This idea of "test driving" a monthly payment you are considering before actually obligating yourself to it, IS PURE GENIUS!

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

Yes, and the longer you keep saving, the less you'll have to actually pay as you get a little bit of interest and don't need to pay interest on it.

[@stouttravis]

It wasn't a monthly purchase, but I once saved for a ring for my girlfriend, allocating a good chunk of my money every month. Once I had a full amount saved, I realized marrying her would be terrible choice. Instead of buying her a ring, I bought a house using the ring savings as the down payment, and knew I could fit the mortgage payment into my budget in place of the rings savings. I still have that house and eventually upgraded the girlfriend, too. Thanks YNAB!

[@piapenny]

😂🤣😂🤣

[@MelpoReads]

I didn’t see that twist but splendid idea!

[@devlinfae]

Did you marry the upgraded girlfriend? 🤣

[@stouttravis]

@@devlinfae Engaged, we have a date set in October 2022!

[@devlinfae]

@@stouttravis congrats!

[@whitemageFFXI]

No lie, I added emojis to all my categories after watching one of your videos. I'm an adult, I swear.

[@katrinaknotts1788]

me too!!

[@brimmed]

hahaha i started adding a few to mine too. i'm a 28 year old male so i rarely use emojis. but i also hate clutter, and sometimes the emojis shorten the names of my categories so that's my justification

[@TifasaurusRex]

whitemageFFXI me too! 🙋🏾‍♀️ I’m 39! 😎

[@RyanHipp]

I just learned we could add emojis....

[@JKoenigshof]

Same

[@MonuMedia]

I swear I could watch Hannah every day for hours! I just love the way you present Hannah!

[@lwtic]

Agreed! She's great

[@RoyleneBuser]

Me too! And, since I'm from Nebraska, I can totally relate to her references to the midwest. lol

[@ashleylemmer8016]

She is brilliant, YNAB have a gem here...

[@fsmoura]

In the end, I don't even need to buy the car-it turns out, I just like budgeting and funding categories. 😎

[@oz_jones]

I know the feeling. Lol.

[@DuzMachines]

I watch all the Hanna videos twice, because she is so entertaining. I laugh it up the first and pay attention the second :D thanks YNAB!

[@samueltremblay275]

Phew... I'm not alone! :D

[@CassidyParkerKnight]

I used this advice to put away extra money to save for a move and simultaneously see if I could afford to upgrade my place and pay a little more rent. Super super helpful!

[@michellecain5456]

MORE, More, more videos from Hannah! Love her! She’s made me laugh more than I have in months. Oh yeah, and convinced me to use YNAB! Thanks, Hannah!

[@jenniferlarregui3315]

Her budget template video got me to try YNAB again. I was like "ooooohhhh, I was doing it all wrong." lol

[@itsGabrielaCristina]

I am currently doing this for my downpayment and closing costs. I am saving money every month that’s a bit above what the mortgage payment would be. I’m building up the savings while practicing living without that amount readily available. So far, so good! It’s looking good for a 2022 house purchase

[@merindab]

I'm almost through a divorce and I'm staying with a friend right now, but my plan is to move out on my own next year. Right now I'm focused on paying off debt, but once that's done I can def use this trick to figure out how much rent I can afford. Plus that money will be sitting there for a security deposit! Thank you.

[@YNABofficial]

Yes! That's an amazing way to use this technique before committing to a whole lease! Best of luck to ya, Merinda. Hope all goes well! -Hannah :

[@terpinator24]

Wow...I have never done this...my brain just exploded with the possibilities of what this could do to help me figure out what I actually can afford!...I am on it!

[@terpinator24]

Also, I think is why I have never been able to save up for the European anniversary vacation my hubby and I have talked about so many times....🤔

[@brfulcher]

I actually started with YNAB so we could try out our semi-retirement budget before we committed. It worked great. And don't change a thing about the videos, I love them!

[@YNABofficial]

Ha! That's brilliant! Just trial-running the future. Good move! -Hannah :)

[@robridlehoover9763]

That is genius. And Hannah is awesome. I’d watch her describe paint drying she is so entertaining 👏

[@Carrie25]

This video made me wonder if YNAB has a video about what you need to think about/plan for when you want to buy a house.

[@YNABofficial]

Carrie-note taken!! We'll put that on the list of things to cover. This is a bit of a different ballgame, but this friday we're releasing a video on how to plan for a home renovation! There may be helpful tips for buying a house sprinkled throughout that video! - Hannah :)

[@ArturoParrales]

I would also add car insurance, maintenance, etc which would probably be higher due to the fact that the car is newer with more expensive parts

[@ShreyasS15]

No joke, Hannah's videos made me give YNAB another shot. Good marketing! But seriously, great videos! ;)

[@klaranilsson8967]

I did this to determine wether or not I could afford a bigger apartment. Turned out I could afford saving for the downpayment AND the rent for my then current house. So then when I moved I could also save the sum I would have payed for the rent. Felt real good.

[@qwk351]

Thanks Hannah for another Fantastic video! They have made YNAB so much easier to use. It is so nice to be both entertained and learn something new. You are awesome! I paid off a vehicle and just kept putting that payment amount away for 5 years and was able to pay cash for my nice shinny new truck.There were times I was sure tempted to use the money or get that truck sooner. Glad I stuck with it! Will be using your 3 month technique in the future.

[@beachsandbox]

Budgeting is more fun the Hannah way... emoji + fun props + swirling in an office chair, Ha! Now if I can find a cute piggy bank just like Hannah's, hmmm. I can afford it honest! I budgetedddd for my piggy. Seriously thanks for keeping me laughing. :-)

[@mpgzooch]

Dave is the man! I absolutely love taking any courses from him. His voice and accent are fantastic but his demeanor is the key.

[@IkaikaArnado]

You crush the uncooked ramin noodles in the bag, with the powder from the flavor packet, till it consists of 1 to 1/2 inch chunks then you eat it like a bag of chips. I grew up in Hawaii and that's a childhood staple...

[@YNABofficial]

... ... ... WHAT?! Immediately trying this... will report results back later. - Hannah :)

[@NoreenKeesey]

@@YNABofficial Uh...how did the snack trial go, Hannah? 😁

[@Rye_Toast]

I paid for Invisalign in cash this way, it works! Not only that, I got a cash discount. Not only that (x2) I participate in a FSA so I got my $1k back which is going into a new car fund. I'll take on a few months going through the motions with this exercise and then I'll have a decent down payment for a new car.

[@YNABofficial]

Rye, no way!! I paid for Invisalign BEFORE I knew this strategy. It was a total toss up as to whether or not I'd be able to make the full payment every month. That is so exciting and satisfying about the car-long term practices pay off with KILLER long term results!! - Hannah :)

[@DanVenette]

She’s right about Dave needing to read audiobooks. I thought he was Stephen Fry, the Harry Potter narrator when I first heard him.

[@YNABofficial]

Right, Daniel? RIGHT?! -Hannah :)

[@geminiblue43]

I would totally sign that petition!!

[@okgreat252]

Petition for Dave to read audiobooks? I totally agree!

[@geminiblue43]

I would totally sign that petition.

[@kkmrad93]

Thanks for this! I am just starting a full time job and wanted to budget for a car. This gives me a good way to figure out if it is possible or not! (:

[@YNABofficial]

Kayla-win!! Love to hear that! Wisdom before implementation. We hope your experiment ends with a happy surprise! - Hannah :)

[@hudsonite1]

Great tips on knowing if you can afford something. Love using YNAB!

[@oravavaara]

Love this idea! I used it to decide if I could afford martial arts classes. I can, but I'd rather have that money for something else right now. Maybe down the road if I get a raise!

[@YNABofficial]

That's a win Michelle!! Clarity is ALWAYS a win. We hope you get to take them down the road! Good prioritizing!! -Hannah :)

[@nosirrahm]

Me wondering if I should be falling asleep while attending a learning workshop. 🥴😂

[@piapenny]

I love her 😂 she cracks me up

[@Sherlysansamis]

This was exactly what indeed at this time of my life! Thanks Hannah and YNAB!!!! 🌳

[@DLynn-py6mm]

We did this when we wanted a new house that was a little more expensive. It really helped us to figure out how it would change our lifestyle not to mention gave us a good start with money in the category already. I enjoy Hannah's videos. Keep them coming!

[@tylerwray9347]

Was SHOOK out of my boots when she said "1999 Honda Accord" because I literally have a 1999 Honda Accord....

[@oliviahensley7339]

I love this idea. Hannah, I love your videos! From one Kansas girl to another, you are awesome. I am brand new to YNAB and I am excited to use this concept on my own budget. I am also looking forward to helping my teen daughters incorporate this into their budgets in the future so that they can see if moving out is feasible. Please keep up these great videos!

[@mdctenga]

1) Crunch up uncooked instand ramen noodles in package 2) Add flavor packet (to taste) 3) Shake it up You now have a common Hawaii elementary school snack.

[@SoPupuka]

Haha I’m from Hawaii and was gonna say the same thing 😂

[@valwiley]

Love love love your entertaining videos!!! Keep them coming 👍

[@rr8153]

Great budgeting and decision- making technique -and another fun video!

[@michaelshort2388]

great idea. :) sort of a similar thing to what I do to avoid impulse purchases. I go look at what I am thinking of buying. then wait a few days, if I am still eager to go buy it, I go buy it, otherwise that money goes elsewhere. :)

[@YNABofficial]

Michael, that's a great technique! Time usually serves us well. Sounds like you've got a great strategy and mindset going! -Hannah 🌻

[@max1492a]

you are a great teacher

[@YNABofficial]

Thank you friend!! Glad to share what I've learned! -Hannah 😊

[@jamilynn322]

Love listening to Dave! (You too, Hannah.)

[@meastrau4772]

I´m a little late here... but... genius! And I didn´t even wanted to buy a car...

[@prism-celebratingus3478]

what a great video! I have almost a year to plan for a larger residence, and now I know how to plan for it!!

[@YNABofficial]

YAY!! So great!! Having that game plan that you can work toward all year long will be SUCH a game changer! You got this 😎 🌻 Hannah

[@cynthialodgebrown4094]

The light bulb just came on!

[@ShawFamilyMD]

"because that's where Canada is" - hilarious as always Hannah.

[@YNABofficial]

😂 🇨🇦 👆🏻

[@abida2]

My 1999 Honda Shuttle is chugging just fine. We don’t go on the highway but who needs to go further than 10 miles from home anyway? 😅

[@plutopowered1116]

Despite how many times I've been told that a future view option is a bad idea (you can only budget with what you have, etc.) I still think it would be a very useful feature. That's the one thing that I really miss from my previous financial software.

[@kinglougene1614]

I watched until the very las second and she starts to eat the Ramen Noodles as is out the packaging and I loved it 🤣🤣

[@YNABofficial]

🙃🍝 🌻 Hannah

[@kinglougene1614]

@@YNABofficial how did it taste?

[@YNABofficial]

Like my childhood. 🌻 Hannah

[@JDSeaside]

Remember when $400/month was a reasonable estimate for a new car payment? lol

[@StacySanseverino]

I love this til! Thanks!!!

[@JustJoia]

This is a great tip!! Thanks Hannah! Yes I love Dave too.

[@samsantana]

Never buy a brand new car, at least not with finance. Buy an old cheap (reliable) car with cash, then put the money you would have spent in repayments for a new car aside, soon enough you will have enough to buy a better car with that cash plus whatever you can get for your 'old' car. Continue to put aside the repayments for the 'new' car and again you'll find yourself with enough money to do the same trick OR even enough to purchase that brand new car and never pay a cent in interest!.

[@abbreviatedalex2418]

Here in the YNAB community we try not to judge other people's priorities. If someone is certain they want to buy a new car with financing and they've thought it through, it's their decision. That might not be a priority you would have with your money but good news!! It's not your money, it's theirs.

[@samsantana]

@@abbreviatedalex2418 and where may I ask was I "judging" anyone's decision, or putting anyone's priorities down? I made a suggestion, there's a difference. A bit rich of you to assume you speak on behalf of "the ynab community". I've been using ynab since it was a simple excel spreadsheet and this is the first time I've come across such arrogance. Have a good day and GOODBYE!

[@heatherk569]

You're so funny and entertaining, Hannah!

[@YNABofficial]

THANKS Heather! Your kind words are so, so appreciated!! 🌻 Hannah

[@EmmiUmar]

Awesome I love this idea - because theoretically we can double our mortgage to upsize, but do we really want to! :)

[@janebiggio1889]

this is so clever, great idea

[@YNABofficial]

🥰🥰 🌻 Hannah

[@cristelmariebuenafe]

Done.

[@shawnstone666]

“But mostly IM asking it, and I don’t know what to do” 😂🤣

[@loribushnell7307]

Can’t forget the new car property taxes category...lol

[@claram5482]

For me it's much more difficult to indulge in the not-so-necessary stuff. Like, do I really need a new laptop? Kinda. But I can also make do with my office computer. So how do I know I can really spend the money? What if I need something more important further on?

[@YNABofficial]

Good thoughts! I wonder if you can kill two potential birds with one stone. Start saving for the laptop, and then when you're fully funded you can decide if that's truly where you want the money to go, or if you want to reallocate it to something else-an emergency category, a "stuff I forgot to budget for" category, or something that stands out as being more important to you at the time! The beauty is: you can't really lose when it comes to saving money. Just keep re-evaluating those priorities! Our needs and wants change all the time. :) - Hannah :)

[@sabrinarobinson1154]

Awesome video. Thanks!

[@ecuadordave8076]

Hannah you rock at podcast!!!

[@daftoptimist]

“Jose’s Mom” 😂😂😂

[@Maruf80]

Goal type should be Monthly Contribution, not Monthly.

[@katrinaknotts1788]

Thank you for this comment! That is what I was missing in my budget! Monthly wasn't working right for me. You're the best!

[@nosirrahm]

How am I in my mid-50s and never thinking to budget for an expense prior to actually making that expense real? 🥴 I never would have sold a 2 year old paid for vehicle to lease a new model for no darn reason back in 2000. It was the start to many stupid financial decisions.

[@CasualLurker]

So entertaining to watch. Lol and informative!

[@scalaacom]

Nice! Even if I decide no… SAVINGS! 😁

[@my2catsvideo]

Good video. LOL 😃 points to Canada 🇨🇦

[@scottcameron2496]

There are emojis for categories ?!?!?!?!? Boy, I need to start looking at more than the numbers.

[@JeffreySerpas]

Great video!

[@EvansAdam100]

I think Hanna would be a good laugh to take to the pub

[@hesasteadypacer]

I'd sign the petition! 🤣

[@maytheforcebewithyou4313]

She is hilarious, I so wanted to have a venue to be like this, and I am a contented fan thinking she and I are friends, ha ha ha. Love the randomness, while completely on task to teach us whatever the hell is the topic, and she knows we are going to need to be distracted by the wit and sardonic tone. If you are under 50, that word meant nothing. Your brains completely shameeda'd over it.

[@YNABofficial]

🙃 -Hannah 🌻

[@AllSeeingEy3]

A 99 accord? Break down? Hah!

[@THU350]

fyi that is not how you eat dried ramen. 1st breakup ramen in bag, then add seasoning, shake and then enjoy.

[@YNABofficial]

😂 Will tuck this nugget away for future raw ramen endeavors. 🌻 Hannah

[@bjoerm1129]

Genius

[@karenbruynell2040]

If you add an emoji and don't remember the name of the emoji, Alexa can't find it if you ask her about it. Secondly, excise tax will be a killer as well!

[@Charles_ONeal]

Don't forget to add in the extra costs such as insurance and registration etc.

[@woo545]

I get what she is saying, however a meal plan actually means less that you are spending on food each month as well and if you eat out a lot, you could be saving money. Granted. you'd save even more just going to the grocery store.

[@GhaliaVillanueva]

Gracias señorita

[@MarcMiller22]

Wait... I can put emojis in my category names?? I'm so doing that...

[@Iwitrag]

I cannot afford new subscription price of YNAB.

[@sarahmauser3687]

I can't afford this.

[@TheoRhoades]

I buy too much beer...not after today

[@basit005]

As a poor person trust me that if you have to do the math, then you can't afford it. If you can't buy it outright without dipping significantly into your savings, then no you can't afford it. If you walk into a restaurant and have to look at the bill and wonder which items to eat, then no you can't afford it. If you buy a car and have to consider which accessory you should buy then no you can't afford it. This may sound scary but it would be good to accept that you are poor. After all being poor today doesn't mean you are going to be one forever. In the meanwhile invest in experiences, not in things. Things are depreciating assets, they lose their value as soon as you buy them. Experiences are forever. You don't need to capture it on a 100 megapixel 10 eye camera on a superior sounding product to ensure that you have made the memory. People had been making memories all along before the cameras came along.

[@liandajane3207]

why doesn't the app just reflect what you put in on the laptop? do you have to do both separately? that's going to get confusingly messy..

[@abbreviatedalex2418]

She just did both of them to show what it looks like on both apps. Your budget WILL sync automatically when you open it on your laptop or your phone, no matter which one you used last. I use both iOS and the web app and it's an effortless experience once you have your budget set up.

[@YNABofficial]

Yes, the web app and the mobile app instantly sync up to match! We try to make it as seamless of a process to easily navigate between the two! -Hannah 🌻

[@Gearyco]

I can't add emojis?

[@JewelBlueIbanez]

1999 Honda Accord is more reliable than new cars.

[@mikebelvin2037]

💯

[@Kish-wm8tu]

Switched companies and my insurance was cheaper. Waaayyyy cheaper.

[@katrinaknotts1788]

She. is so. funny!

[@TheErraticTheory]

I mostly just ask, “ can I afford HER!”😍

[@tesz1587]

you should do like stand up not YNAB. You so funny etc.

[@erikwhite3221]

Talk too damn much damn

[@egpoageful]

I cannot watch Hannah.......I appreciate the fact that so many people enjoy her...And I try to change my attitude...But I cannot.....

[@elizabethman7313]

Why bother with actually posting and advertising your negativity? What does it contribute?

[@oliverjamesspicer]

Great vid 👍