My 5 YNAB Beginner Mistakes

[@leerv.]

I really like Hannah's style, she makes it funny and uses just the right pinch of self-deprecation to make it relatable! We've all been there! lol These points are all very very good, and, sorry to admit, I found myself nodding along with more than one of them. Doh!!! What's super confidence-inspiring is that YNAB's educators use the product themselves, and talk about learning the product and learning how to budget. In the software world, using your own product is called "eating your own dogfood". It's a terrible phrase, but the idea is powerful, because if your product is good enough to improve your own lives, that shows consumers that it can work for them too!

[@Gepstra]

Doh!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@mickeymallette2663]

Seems like just a commercial for the service. I’m only on “problem #2” out of 5 and the only solutions are signing up and using the app. And the third solution is don’t be drastic about doing better.....lol. If you have been overspending to get in trouble in the first place then drastic changes are needed. My thought is, drastic changes based on thinking there has to be drastic changes to get a hold of your finances is the ONLY way to get it under control.

[@dertod2]

@@mickeymallette2663 If the topic is the "beginners mistakes WITH the service" it should not come as a surprise that they cover the service, right? :)

[@PhillP3833]

Bravo YNAB!! Hannah is an absolute delight - confident, funny, informant - fantastic delivery. Great video!! She's a hoot!

[@joymccracken1939]

She is a hoot!! Love it, and who would of thought we could have a good time while learning about budgeting!

[@e.serven7027]

collapsing the "Fixed" categories and keeping an eye on the "Flexi" categories was a helpful tip!

[@HollySilkman]

You and the other YNAB Video teachers are really rockin' it lately. Love all of you: your styles and deliveries are very different, but you are all polished, real, and hugely helpful.

[@susanparker8399]

I love Hannah's videos. Makes me feel better to hear that she also struggles at times, just like me. Plus listening to the explanation about rule #3 resonated with me. I only started my budgeting journey about 2 1/2 months ago, but feel like it has brought my attempts at getting off the paycheck to paycheck hamster wheel that much closer. I am thrilled that my money is now aged out to 34 days. Thank you so much for your videos! 💜

[@outofdarts]

This was so well done.

[@lindseypritchard7101]

You absolutely make me laugh out loud! I can't tell you how refreshing that is to hear when dealing with $$ :/ Thank you for your insight!

[@cangirl313]

I love Hannah! I like how she isn't perfect in her financial journey and it makes me relax and realize that I'm not alone in my financial struggles and gives me hope that maybe I can do this financial thing too!

[@yazzy1979]

GUUUURL the single perspective represented with style, adjust your crown.

[@joymccracken1939]

Love it!

[@RoyleneBuser]

I love Hannah. She cracks me up while teaching at the same time.

[@JaesWOverley]

Hannah, you have such great videos. Your facial expressions, body language, and pausing in your speech at just the right time to bring all three together make all your videos a joy to watch. Not to mention that this is my new favorite quote, "But like the old saying goes, Give a man a fish and he can eat for a day. Teach a man to budget and he'll have a very specific allotted amount each month for how many fish he can buy. And if he buys too many fish, well, he'll figure it out... with YNAB!"

[@joellegreig6955]

You rock, Hannah! You have the ability to hold my attention to what's important in lessons on how to achieve budgeting. I'm ADHD, so this is extremely important to me. Anyone can teach with a syllabus in front of them. The question is, will that be enough to hold one's attention? Speaking strictly for myself, that answer is an absolute "NO!" The secret here is HOW you go about teaching the material. And for certain topics/subjects, this is crucial. I really enjoyed your video; what I gleaned from it has opened my eyes to what constitutes successful budgeting. Keep up the great work!

[@isaacbueckert1979]

super well done video! Love the chalkboard instead of slides, and the mention of tithes being a fixed budget.

[@ricmondelli5846]

Hannah is awesome because she explains in such a great way and makes you laugh that I can totally relate to what she is saying. This video is so me in the stuff I've been doing with YNAB, thanks for the clarity!!!

[@ChelseyTschida]

The + and - changed my life! And before this video was over, I was changing my categories to be Fixed and Flexi. LOVE this!

[@tayleanruatha]

Me... there's a + and - ? 😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@ridwanslife]

Wish Farm video is the best video ever! I might've watched it about 20 times and even downloaded it to my phone. 👍🏽

[@SkorpionUK]

Fixed vs Flexi is a really great way of looking at it! Thank you! As well as collapsing the Fixed group, I've also moved it down below Flexi, which means that the Flexi categories appear first on all drop-down lists, which is good because most of my day-to-day spending will be in those categories, too. This makes daily budgeting even easier! Only the Flexi group is expanded, the rest get funded and collapsed so I don't even look at them. Compared with budgeting from top to bottom, the only thing I have to do differently when money comes in is to remember to quickly check the Fixed and Savings/Debt groups and make sure they're fully funded, then allocate TBB to Flexi... or next month, depending!

[@mamajen8172]

Yep! This was probably my favorite tip that she had. So simple yet so valuable!

[@MT-hk9cp]

OMG!! Hannah is the bomb and I was exactly like her....getting ready to rewrite the categories because the Flexi vs Fixed is a game changer

[@the.punkmonk]

What a GREAT presenter, and such a helpful video! Love you transparent, wry and supportive style, Hannah. And the fixed/flexi category idea is brilliant -- I'm going to implement it right away! I'm 47 and am JUST starting to teach myself how to manage money (hoping, praying, and hiding my head in the sand weren't working out) and YNAB makes it...FUN. Never thought I'd say that about budgeting!!!

[@JeremyEmfinger]

Hannah! It's like you looked at my budgeting habits and called me out, point by point! It's super encouraging to know I'm not the only one who made these mistakes, and also helpful to see them for exactly what they are, so I can begin to correct those behaviors! Your videos are the best!

[@YNABofficial]

Ha! I swear I'm not peaking! I just found my experience was eerily similar to most peoples 😉 Thanks for the encouragement! I'll keep em comin'! 🎉 -Hannah :)

[@SuiMizu]

I love the teaching style. It is so entertaining but also educational! Keep rockin, Hannah!

[@phoebewetherbee6755]

You just read my mail!! After having YNAB a couple of years, I’ve finally started using it correctly and Hannah is part of the reason why! Who makes potentially “dry” videos about budgeting entertaining enough for prime time? Hannah does!!! Thanks

[@Mom2rbdl]

This was SO HELPFUL! Thank you for your honesty, and for keeping it super simple. I am brand new to YNAB and the timing is great for this video.

[@saralep]

I love Hannah's videos!! More please.

[@YNABofficial]

Yay! She'll be back with a new video each week. 💃 - Ashley

[@carriescoby6281]

I live in KS too and totally agree with the utilities comment! I'm a fan of the weather keeping us on our toes!

[@JustJoia]

This video was so helpful!!! I definitely abused rule three. But I like the breakdown in the bonus you gave. I’ll have to use that. ❤️

[@amandarose5167]

Love this video. Implementing that fixed/flexi tip! Definitely guilty of a few of those beginner mistakes.

[@jjjones7949]

Baaaahhhhaaa!!! Ah Kansas - 64 to 15 in 24 hrs. Thank goodness we were all celebrating or we'd have locked ourselves indoors until April. But seriously, this kind of regular speak and transparency makes this sooooo much easier. In one budgeting article I read a few years ago (on a very well known website) they used 15 (FIFTEEN!) different acronyms and ZERO explanation of what they meant. I faithfully googled them all (got some super weird results), gained little budgeting knowledge, and never looked to that site again for budgeting info. Thanks, please come back often! Hope your dog feels better. Go Chiefs!

[@lorrainewoodward3446]

JJ Jones rofl at “got some super-weird results” 🤣😂

[@YNABofficial]

JJ, regular speak is all I know! Don't you ever worry about me getting too fancy on ya'. Fellow Kansans unite!! 🌾 -Hannah

[@wadethomas1043]

KC resident here as well. Go Chiefs! Oh, and great video. You're funny and lighthearted, love it.

[@jojovasquez8111]

Girl, you were made for this. Your videos are super entertaining and teaches lessons whilst putting humor into it. I’m here for it!

[@andrewheath5189]

DUDE! I'm so glad to see a company who advertises IRL! Hannah, you are great and I so appreciate your down to earth demeanor and candor! Keep up the good work YNAB!

[@YNABofficial]

Thank you, Andrew!! Everyone here at YNAB uses YNAB and believe in YNAB, but dang my friend-we are all still very much human. Glad to share my experiences because I know they're SO common, and can be so discouraging if you think you're the only one. Hoping this video can serve as an encouragement to all! -Hannah 🌻

[@robmurdock3273]

This is a really a light, fun and informative video Hannah. Mistakes one thru three were, sooo me. Hope to develop better practices with all of these tools offered by YNAB. Thank you, much.

[@MsSherrydarling]

Hi Hannah!! I love the tip that your friend gave about sorting expenses into fixed/flexible/savings/etc categories to help you learn where not to take money from. Collapsing is a great idea, out of sight out of mind. Ha,ha I sing that song to my grandkids and they love it!!

[@clairelouise5957]

This was so good! Hannah is hilarious and I thoroughly enjoyed her presentation - plus I learned some new tips so I'm currently restructuring my budget. Thank you :D

[@honeyB23]

These videos are short, simple, engaging and soooo helpful. Thanks YNAB!!

[@YNABofficial]

We're here for ya! Flattered that you called these videos "short"... I love me some long-winded trains of thought ;) - Hannah :)

[@reginamecco2915]

Omgoodness I am overwhelmed. Its awful looking at the dumpster fire my budget looks like 😅 Im willing to learn this though. Thanks for sharing your experience. ❤

[@FrugalOverFifty]

This was great - I'm a big YNAB fan and I learned a few things. I'm also realizing that I've ignored some of the newer features - I should probably sign up for a web class.

[@jogah85]

I'm not here to learn, I already do what she taught here on my YNAB. I'm here cause her voice calms my brain and soul. But, if you're a beginner, totally listen to this lesson.

[@mumwithfunds]

I honestly love this girl. She makes all of your videos soooo engaging and funny. Laugh out loud at points! She makes me really want to jump in :D

[@JennyA]

I used it for awhile, and went to another money app because of investments. Found out I really wasn't all that interested in using an app for my investments since I'd just go to the actual accounts. Now I'm back with YNAB and trying to break the habit of spending money I don't actually have. My goal is to see "age of money" in the triple digets this time around. I'm enjoying watching Hannah. She's a riot in her vids but relatable.

[@Yiayia710]

Hannah is adorable - and finally I can understand because she's so funny and real.

[@BethBarany]

Hannah! You are SO funny. Thanks for getting me back into YNAb after about 3 weeks of head in sand. Love the enter as you go tip!

[@xphoenixrising]

This is a great video! Hannah is fantastic with the right balance of relatability. The Direct Import hit me hard. I rely on that far too much >>

[@rosainesmedina848]

Looooved, this. I enjoy Hannah very much, because she grabs the humor out of this scary situation (like starting from minus!). Go Hannah!

[@ANOTHER_WIN_FOR_THE_TOE]

This video has so many good YNAB tips. I'm going to tear down my old budget and start from scratch using the Fixed/Flexi model. As for abusing rule 3... that has been my #1 problem with budgeting.

[@moniquemayer3933]

Hannah's video was so helpful and funny and bang-on! (I totally abused rule 3). I nodded at all of her video, and now feel like I can make better use of the app and better track of my money. Thank you, Hannah, and YNAB!

[@christianne1984]

That bonus tip gave me a lot of clarity because it really jives with how I think. I think I'm going to go do that now... and also make coffee because watching you drink out of a mug gave me cravings.

[@YNABofficial]

Right?! Just READING your comment made me realize I haven't had any coffee yet today. And off to the coffee maker I go... And yes, switching to Fixed vs Flexi was an absolute GAME CHANGER for me. Truly truly, would highly recommend to anyone who wrestles with overspending. -Hannah :)

[@tracyhue23]

This! All of this. Yes. I have started and failed many times. But over this month I have started watching these videos and spending more time thinking about my budget more. I will have to start using the import function.

[@theleakypen8662]

OK I _love_ the fixed/flexi distinction so much! I think I'm gonna make that happen starting March!

[@YNABofficial]

It is a toootal game-changer!! Give it a whirl! -Hannah

[@theleakypen8662]

@@YNABofficial I'd love to know what specific categories go into people's fixed and flexi sections. I'm also thinking of doing a Fresh Start for March because I feel like my categories have, uh, proliferated a bit.

[@mariaht764]

Hahaha, I truly enjoyed this! Hannah is so relatable and that category tip was just amazing! *runs to edit categories now*

[@Nameless-st3vt]

Someone!!!! Give her a medal! The knowledge with the face expressions 😂. Love it

[@DrZzen]

I was pleasantly surprised. Never thought watching a budgetting video would be..........entertaining. I watched the video all the way to the end.

[@YNABofficial]

HA! Yeah you did 😎 So glad it was a worthwhile watch!! 🌻 Hannah

[@epowers922]

Absolutely hysterical video, great job at presenting terrific information! I've been on the fence about trying YNAB but this video put me over the top - thanks!

[@YNABofficial]

YAY!! Well that is the greatest compliment I've received all week. Hope you love it! Come check out our KZbin channel for ANY questions you might have or features you might want to see more tutorials on, and lemme know if you have any questions! I can't point you to some helpful resources or just fill you in myself! 🌻 Hannah

[@Sclark2006]

No words. Amazing video. Lots of fun and learning. I saw my self in a mirror cause I started using YNAB in 2015 and it was more expense tracking until I started to watch your videos. Now, for the first time in 5 years, I have 20 days on Age of Money. I saw that I could save much more than I though. You are amazing Hannah. Thank you! love

[@YNABofficial]

100%, you just retold my whole YNAB testimony 😂Always happy when we find out we weren't the only ones! Best of luck Frederick, and CONGRATS on that 20 Day age! That's a big deal!! -Hannah :)

[@Sclark2006]

@@YNABofficial lol, Thank you Hannah! I'll let you know about my progress

[@simoanclarke6613]

OMG! This is exactly the video I needed ...thank you so much

[@tayleanruatha]

Most brilliant budgeting video ever! I feel lighter and hapier, aaaand now I shall go forth and make a real budget instead of a pretty one. Without the guilt that's been dogging me for several years. Cheers YNAB team of awesome!

[@samyafawz3695]

Amazing delivery for important information .. you are very talented .. Thank you

[@conureron3792]

In my first month: basically trying to track, I.d. My expenses. But I’m also loving all the you-tube YNAB vids....so, I discovered early on that I couldn’t budget the month traditionally....I.e. corrected many errors already.

[@sallyherring5443]

I am officially encouraged. Grateful. And smiling!!😊

[@ntmn8444]

This app has changed my life! I rewatched this video after signing up, and I see what Hannah is talking about. Those plus and minus signs are pretty cool. I just got my fiance to sign up for this tool. It's EXACTLY what I have been looking for.

[@YNABofficial]

I live for the plus and minus signs. #plusandminustilIdie -Hannah :)

[@marloyoshimoto6995]

I wish I saw this when I first started YNAB. Hannah is hilarious and this was super fresh and fun to watch!

[@longroadset]

It finally clicked for me after watching some of Hannah's videos. She's great and I stuck with watching videos because of her personality.

[@hollyg9492]

Love this! Will definitely share this with new YNABers. 😁❤️

[@YNABofficial]

Thanks so much for sharing Hannah's video, Holly! We appreciate it! 😀 - Ashley

[@karidickerson6086]

Awesome video! I've been using YNAB for something like 2 years now...a few of those areas I am doing better but a few like Rule 3, so totally relate to what she said! Love the transparent and fun way of delivering this important message! Thank you! Inspired to stop ignoring rule 3 now...

[@aaaman7]

Fixed, Flexi, Savings, Wish List, Wish Farm. Done.

[@sofondadavis5028]

Wish list??? Wish Farm???

[@Musicman2012Now]

This was a lot of fun to watch...and informative.

[@Pamalumpa]

Abused Rule 3. That was me, for sure!! Thanks for calling me out lol

[@valnelson3081]

She is so funny! I didn't expect to be entertained long enough to keep watching something about budgeting! I hope you are paying her a lot. Brilliant.

[@terpinator24]

I love you, Hannah!!! Number 1 was totally me! I was so happy I just signed up!

[@YNABofficial]

Hey, I'm happy you signed up too!! Let's learn together! -Hannah :

[@leakedavid]

So good! Thanks for the humor. Wish I'd seen that three years ago when I was getting started. That said, there were ample resources back then to get up and running without too many hicups. Thanks for investing in creating such fun and relevant content for us! 💞🙏

[@intrepid_rain]

This was so entertaining to watch! Informative and funny, loved it!

[@ashleighdouglas4537]

These new videos are really looking great! Loving the layout and topics 👍🏾 keep it up YNAB

[@jojorosey]

Hannah's hilarious. Has excellent timing and humor. :) Really enjoying these videos!

[@laurenevam6305]

Oh my God. I love that way of budgeting with those categories. I've been struggling with categories the most so I've literally just had two categories - expenses and spending because of it.

[@markwise7059]

It's official... Hannah is officially my favorite YNABer...

[@penflare5411]

I had YNAB before it had direct importing. I never bothered to stop and think about how the process of manually reporting transactions helped me understand and use YNAB. So thanks for the insight.

[@danatilton4083]

Loved this video! I am still a relatively new YNAB user and this info was super helpful! I love your sense of humor too! Love that we all struggle with similar things. Thank you for the tips, I am going to try the Fixed/ Flexi categories for March!

[@jeremycordova7630]

Hannah you are so humble and funny. Thank you for all of your encouragement!

[@YNABofficial]

Thank you, Jeremy!! Always up for sharing my story! -Hannah 🌻

[@joshuavaughn777]

This is great and she has a perfect personality!

[@chelsehounshell9670]

I’ve been using YNAB for 8 months now and I am slightly fanatical.. getting my friends and family about it.. I truly believe there is a need for this fabulous tool in everyone’s life.. I’m for promoting it as part of basic education/life skills for high school students as well as a resource and offering as a part of company benefit packages.. don’t employers want employees who are productive and engaged and not worried about there financial woes. How do I sign up to work for YNAB?

[@frugalmeetsfoodie3281]

this was great! entertaining and informative...i was laughing out loud at the "wedding fund" *crossed fingers* haha

[@prayersponytails6227]

Oh my goodness, I love the ending Banana-Fana Fo-FYNAB clip 🤣 Well done Hannah & YNAB team! 👏 I’m planning on leading a financial small group at my church and will be sharing this in one of the classes 👍

[@YNABofficial]

That's amazing!! I love to hear that!! If there's one thing I learned during my financial journey is that transparency and honesty always serve you best. Finding one or two people you can really spill your whole situation to judgment-free, then being real with other people who ask for advice or need a little encouragement, no sugar-coating. We like to hide money struggles, but I think we almost all have them-better to be honest and transparent and help a brother out! Our "me too" goes a lot further than we think. -Hannah :)

[@janforeman2285]

This is really helpful for those less disciplined (me) and don't know what they're doing (me). Thank you!

[@YNABofficial]

Speaking my language! Absolutely, Jan!! 🌻 Hannah

[@gemmapfinn]

Loved this and loved the authentic way this was presented. Thanks so much!

[@massi-faqiri]

Amazing delivery, bravo!

[@przemyslawokon]

Hannah is so adorable and this is so well done. Thank you guys and I am staying with you

[@jaredcaya6258]

Hannah is my favorite person. Great explanation!

[@rebeccasimmons16]

This app is literally the most confusing thing ever! I will have to watch every single one of your incredible videos to make any sense of it.

[@YNABofficial]

You'll get it! I know you will! The fact that you're putting so much time in to understand the app means you WANT it to work for you and it WILL work for you! Send me any questions you have, or chat directly one-on-one with our support team! They LOVE helping people find success with YNAB! 🌻 Hannah

[@kendrahoffman7949]

Ok, I really needed to see this. Thank you!

[@cameroncrayton4114]

Who thumbs downed this video? 🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️ Very insightful, learned some things just from this video🙏🏾🙏🏾 Thank you, will definitely be starting a account soon with my wife!

[@mlungisitheoderecade-mnisi1522]

Thank you so much this was so helpful and entertaining!

[@YNABofficial]

🥳🥳 🌻 Hannah

[@oldCoinBr]

The five categories (Fixed, Flex, Savings, Wish List e Whisk Farm) are an amazing idea! I copied that! 😄

[@YNABofficial]

Love that!! Still using them today! With a few additions, like a category group for our dog, our upcoming baby, and a whole category group for groceries! 🌻 Hannah

[@jennw6809]

I signed up in March and didn't really start till July. I was too terrified. But this is the best thing I've ever done for my money.

[@YNABofficial]

🥹🥹🥹 Amazing testimony! Money can be so scary, especially facing our financial reality after years of not. But it can also be so, so empowering and clarifying! Glad you've found the sweet spot with YNAB! 🌻 Hannah

[@Artemis583]

That bonus tip is saving lives 👏🏽👏🏽

[@patkundesu]

Some video recommended to me, and I didn't know I really need. Thank you!

[@YNABofficial]

Woohoo!! Love to hear it! Honestly, same. I need these reminders *all* the time myself. 🌻 Hannah

[@mildredcintron3340]

I love these training videos. You’re so funny. I learn better this way.

[@YNABofficial]

Woo hooo!! Thanks Mildred, love to hear it!! -Hannah 🌻

[@TraceyLuna]

Great video, but the bonus tip was worth the price of admission for me! Thanks 👍🏾

[@ericnehf2675]

Hannah, that was awesome! Great personality, great points about budgeting and you are super cute! Way to go YNAB!

[@YNABofficial]

Thanks Eric!! Go YNAB, indeed!! 🌻 Hannah

[@stevehanson980]

Your videos are the best! Doing a great job making this topic fun!

[@YNABofficial]

Thanks Steve!! I appreciate it!! -Hannah :)

[@team.barron]

Loved this video! Really insightful, and Hannah's style is great.