Get to Know YNAB Founder & CEO Jesse Mecham

Sit in on a call with Hannah and Jesse, founder and CEO of You Need a Budget. Tune in to hear all about about Jesse's rattlesnake dinner, his stance on pie, and what he would do with a free elephant.
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[@kukurukuru04]

The mug!!!!! Can't wait for mine to arrive!

[@nathanielgardner6185]

I was just about to comment that!!!

[@jeffreywolfe6313]

Do you remember whiteboard Wednesdays? lol

[@markboerger4316]

Having not watched this up to the 6:47 mark, I paused and my daughter asks "who is that?" I say, "you know when I tell you, 'you only have this much left to spend in your category'? He's the guy who made it up." She says, "He looks like an NBA player." That might be a compliment, Jesse, even if it didn't quite work out early on.

[@mikedeanb]

Always wondered if ol' Dave Ramsey was part of this little venture. I came here after I got out of debt with Dave's methods, but I found Every Dollar was kind of lacking. Love YNAB.

[@colleenanne4032]

Family meals with variety on a budget! Super fun!

[@shauny2807]

Guys, this video was a great concept, but I think the editing let you down here - Jesse seemed so awkward like he didn’t want to be there. It’s a shame cause your both so natural normally. I loved the end but how Jesse is talking about his wife making pie - such a natural conversation. I would love to see more of these video chat style updates, but with a more natural flow. Thank you both for creating such amazing content so regularly. It helps with our budget motivation.

[@smediumlarge]

The editing's fine. He's not awkward, it's fine.

[@parodoxis]

I noticed that too, but I think the real problem is that it's made to look like a video call, when in fact they can't see each other. So that look on his face (less cheery, more like concentrating) is him listening for the question in his ears, and he doesn't look at the camera much because there's no one there to look at.

[@janetownley]

@@smediumlarge Actually I found him very awkward, almost surly, and I don’t think it was the fault of the editing.

[@breevellalos]

I remember whiteboard Wednesday when Jesse used to wear cool printed tee shirts every week. 😂

[@MindyTunnell]

Hannah is so young, "I don't know collective soul" 😂

[@keyisme1356]

I'm in a Facebook group called "ynab + minimalism". Half of us have been ynab-ing for so long, we didn't know Jesse had written a book! I'm half way through it. Thanks! Jesse, what activities do you like to do with your kids? Is 7 kids expensive? Explain. Can your wife join the discussion next time?

[@JesseMecham]

I don’t know if I could convince her :) Kids are not that expensive. You just preface every buying decision with: “Did kids do fine without this in the 18th century?” Does wonders.

[@sitruk8628]

This was great! Keep them coming!

[@victoriafoley5655]

Loved this, please do more! Also, no idea how to do homemade pudding for coconut cream pie. Perhaps Jesse can get into cooking demo videos next!

[@YNABofficial]

Well THERE is an idea, Victoria. Cooking in the Kitchen with Jesse: Pie Edition. -Hannah :)

[@JustJoia]

Good to know Jesse a little more.

[@conureron3792]

Nice interview.

[@jessicar6413]

Hannah, you need to watch the Indiana Jones movies! They are the best, except for the 4th one. Fell kind of flat, but all others are great!

[@YNABofficial]

Oh, I'm SURE you're right. Maybe I'll have a marathon one day... 🤠 -Hannah 🌻

[@juliegruber8814]

Are you willing to share your coconut cream pie recipe? 🙏

[@cherylallred1900]

Hannah, it’s totally cool that you don’t know Indiana Jones. I got the impression that Jesse thinks you’re stupid if you’re not into it. You are funny and awesome no matter what Jesse thinks. 🙂

[@YNABofficial]

The way Jesse feels about me not having seen Indiana Jones is the same way I feel about Jesse not having seen Boy Meets World, so we're even :) -Hannah 🌻

[@christopherknight5526]

These are so funny

[@wannabedal-adx458]

Jeese will now introduce Hannah to Rinaldo!!!! :D

[@YNABofficial]

Oh my gosh. Brilliant video idea. Hannah Meets Renaldo. Will be booking a flight to Utah soon... -Hannah :)

[@wannabedal-adx458]

@@YNABofficial Who says you can't date their coworkers!!! ;)

[@MatthewBuntyn]

Something tells me that Jesse has a SawStop

[@JesseMecham]

It truly was the only option.

[@Charles_ONeal]

I agree with your mom.

[@danielleobringer2471]

I'd love to see more videos like this! Y'all had me laughing out loud multiple times. The unedited banter back and forth was the best part.

[@nicolagerry1204]

As part of the Fan-nah Club, I'd be keen to have Hannah be on the receiving end of the questions 😋

[@YNABofficial]

Oooh, that sounds fun!! I'll just ask myself the questions 😂 -Hannah 🌻

[@kayonnewebley7123]

Broooooo!!!! I'm literally sitting here procrastinating on reading David Allen's "Getting Things Done" by watching this video, and then you hit me with the 7:39 🙈 FINE!!! *mumbles to self* *picks up book*

[@LordFyrestone]

ROTFLOL

[@kristen7339]

I loved Whiteboard Wednesdays!! Jesse is so cool, and I loved this interview, haha. :D One of the things that YNAB helped me achieve was distilling my goals and prioritizing putting my money towards the things that matter most. Literally life changing. I own a house, I plant trees, and I rarely stress about finances now because I always have a plan and money set aside for a rainy day. :)

[@YNABofficial]

Oh my gosh, LOVE that Kristen!! Planting TREES. What a fun, life-giving hobby (literally!). Your comment gives US life. Thanks for sharing :) -Hannah :)

[@NS-pf2zc]

Ok, the fun nature of YNAB makes a whole lot of sense now! I have to say, I’m impressed. So questions: Jesse, are you a homesteader? Because I’m totally catching that vibe. If so, hey, so are we! Hannah, you totally made me feel SO old when you didn’t know who Collective Soul was! 😂 Fun interview, guys!

[@JesseMecham]

Not a homesteader I suppose, but I do enjoy hyper local food immensely. 😉

[@micheleboyd9212]

I yelled WHAT?! Out loud. I feel so old now too.

[@NS-pf2zc]

@@JesseMecham I’m sorry I missed your reply! Haha, yes, it doesn’t get fresher than that.

[@rikkiola]

I have a huge crush on Hannah, like schoolboy style. I'm 43, and slightly embarrassed.

[@rebeccatubbs853]

I loved this video! We have 9 kids and have always lived frugal, yet budgeting has not truly worked for us till I started with YNAB about a month ago. I am looking forward to a less stressful future! Thanks for all you guys do! Keep up the good work!

[@michaelflinn2791]

Jesse Mecham is Dave ramsey without the arrogance and condescension.

[@ottergirl1913]

Have you ever lost everything financially and have had to start over?

[@JKoenigshof]

As an avid woodworker myself I'd love to know if Jesse documents his work on Instagram or other means. I'd love to follow him. Also, what kind of table saw does he have?

[@jac_builtWoodworks]

My guess would be a SawStop. But I can't imagine him chucking that under his arm in case of a fire 😂

[@JesseMecham]

I’m not nearly good enough to merit posting to The Gram! (The 3hp sawstop with the 36” feed, and built in router table.)

[@nikkigrimes3652]

Myself enjoyed getting to know more about Jesse!

[@joanhall3718]

Dang, wish you had followed up the “wrapping the sweet potatoes with newspaper” with questions about his garden. Are they homesteading or just growing and storing some of their food? Chickens? It sounds really interesting.

[@HaleyHinman]

My favorite ice breaker: "Why would I want you in my apocalypse pod? What skills do you bring to the After?"

[@barbararobson8136]

Strangely enough... Hannah seems (to me) more like the face of YNAB than Jesse.

[@deniselittle5558]

What was the smartest thing he ever did besides creating YNAB? Without a doubt the answer would be: hiring Hannah!

[@YNABofficial]

🥰 Thanks Denise!! Love my job!! 🌻Hannah

[@lyndacorbett1819]

Just when I thought I couldn't possibly love YNAB more, I hear that the founder's top pet peeve is grammar-related! Reflexive pronouns gotta go. Fun & interesting interview. Thank you both for all you do!

[@brianhigginbotham6308]

Your/You're ugh! :0

[@janetownley]

Well, he and all grammar-serious people had better learn to relax, because there is seldom a sentence on the internet without ridiculous ignorant mistakes, grammar and spelling

[@christopherbgriffith]

Raiders of the Lost Ark is definitely the best of the series and still holds up.

[@xDuchessx]

Definitely enjoyed this!! So cool to hear Jesse talk about non-budgeting content hehe

[@kpieckiel]

Hannah, this was a GREAT video! I loved that you set this up with Jesse, and I'd love to see you chat with him more. Perhaps you will consider a part two where you ask him some of our questions? I have some to start: 1. What's your favorite color? 2. Have you ever bounced a check? 3. Have you ever travelled outside of the US? Where and for what purpose? 4. Were you named after someone? What's your middle name? 5. Who is your favorite villain? (Can be a supervillain or normal villain.) 6. Is cheesecake a pie or a cake? Do you like cheesecake? 7. What's your favorite holiday, why, and how do you celebrate it? And my final question.... Jesse and Hannah.... may I have your autographs??

[@YNABofficial]

Kevin, these are all great questions! We'll tuck 'em away if a round two happens. And absolutely, I'll include my classic KZbin signature at the end of this comment. -Hannah :) 👆👆👆

[@Rapishad]

Coconut is a fruit!

[@joanriley71]

Jesse, coconut is a fruit! Love YNAB! Truly helped me have a much better life.

[@JesseMecham]

Fair enough. I didn’t know I was getting my daily fruit recommendation via my favorite pie!

[@dbcoh]

I miss seeing Jessie in the ynab content. He's a great teacher and I wish we would see more of him

[@YNABofficial]

David, you're in luck! Jesse just started releasing short podcast topics on our KZbin channel! He released four new episodes to KZbin over the last few weeks of October: episodes 449-452! Give em a watch and make sure to subscribe if you'd like to be notified of future episodes! -Hannah :)

[@conureron3792]

Might have opened a few more inquiries: I assume Jesse grows his own food? Garden? Raises chickens for eggs? Does woodworking? Makes furniture? Or stacks lumber? How did a girl from Bama get out to Utah? Skier?

[@puppypaws1993]

Oh. My. Goodness! My pet peeve is also the misuse of the reflexive pronoun. I thought I was the only one!!

[@billlyl3725]

Coconut creme pie?? That’s just wrong. Cancel my subscription now please!! (Jk)

[@rgldr1190]

Jesse how did you get into woodworking? What’s a good and frugal way to start for someone who isn’t handy? Love your product and your BOOK

[@pattysylvanbutterfly433]

This was fun…nice to see the regular guy side of Jesse. I’m also a big fan of GTD & coconut cream pie ;)

[@alinayossimouse]

I still don't know what a hang clean is

[@patrickoconnor1218]

Heck yes!!! Loved this video. Would be great to learn more about each of you all!! Funny Jesse and I both thought of training first thing in the morning. Power Rack home gym is where it’s at. But I have no roosters. Lol YNAB has been life changing for me and such a fantastic tool!! For real has helped me transition from my divorce a year ago amazingly well!!

[@monroejosh]

I want to know more about the table saw. Saw Stop? I need more woodworking talk from Jesse.

[@lorijones968]

Really agree with the pie. Like, homemade pudding only for the cream pies!

[@JaydaHazelett]

Love this kind of video!! Keep them coming.

[@gabiboschetti2590]

Hannah is so funny... I would like to be interview by her 😂🤣🌈

[@dianneisabelle3581]

Awesome chat -- some great questions, Hannah; nice to get to know Jessie a little bit more!

[@Hanging-dice]

Guys, good format. Good mix of humor and info. I’ll look forward to more vids done in this way

[@lauraswensen1621]

I love videos like these!

[@xmochix604]

RIP sean connery!

[@janetownley]

Haha - I had a friend in North Carolina who used to “go up to Georgia” frequently and it always sounded strange! But what about when I leave the Rocky Mountains.. in whatever direction, I’m going DOWN 😁

[@YNABofficial]

There ya go!! Beat the system! -Hannah 🌻

[@frankiefachilla2808]

OMG, Jesse AND Hannah??!! What could be better! Y'all are probably my two fave YNAB personnel (love everyone though)... MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE!!! ;) I watched a video of Jesse talking through starting a business, and I thought it was incredible. His honesty is so rare. I'd LOVE a video about a typical day in the life of Jesse and how he stays productive, specifically.

[@YNABofficial]

I'll try to talk Jesse into doing a round two 😉 Thanks so much for your encouragement, Frankie!! -Hannah :)

[@alansamuel36]

Fantastic interview!

[@donawyo]

That was great, Hannah. I LOVE your humor. So nice getting to know Jesse. I LOVE YNAB. Thank you for solving my monthly budgeting issues that two different accounting teachers couldn’t. You guys ROCK!!!!

[@YNABofficial]

WOO HOO!! Thanks Donawyo! Jesse's the bomb; this video is one of my favorites. Mainly because Renaldo. -Hannah 🌻

[@debbiekoop4352]

That was fun. Thanks! Jesse, what are the ages of your 7 kids and do you have a supersize van to fit 9 people and maybe a guest or 2? (btw, I really appreciate YNAB!)

[@JesseMecham]

We can definitely fit guests because when we do need to haul The Haul, we rent a very large van that has excess capacity.

[@jadenkutz]

“Trust the system” I like it

[@MartinLabuschin]

I like that he didn't optimize/cater(?) his answers for the audience. Just the truth even if it isn't related to this channel at all. Seems honest and real

[@YNABofficial]

Ha! If anyone is honest and real, it's Jesse. I still crack up at his balloon artist past and sassy rooster Renaldo every time I watch this video 🤣 -Hannah 🌻

[@LordFyrestone]

What a Fouonder???? (Check your spelling!) lol Awesome video y'all! :D I love it!

[@LordFyrestone]

I feel the same way about Hockey. lol

[@inigo_montoya]

Did ya get a Sawstop, Jesse? It's gotta be a Sawstop, right?

[@JesseMecham]

Yup.

[@peggywilloughby8404]

This man saved my finances and my marriage. Adorable video.

[@YNABofficial]

❤️❤️❤️

[@nickabrahams3995]

👍

[@tanyablankenship1475]

What is your "trusted system" for the GTD system?

[@JesseMecham]

I use an app called Things, but there are many options-as long as you just stick with it!

[@ryanash6741]

Maybe Jesse can share some woodworking, gardening, and self-sufficiency tips! Like always, great job, Hannah! I'm wondering, are you just trying to rub in that my coffee cup from the SWAG sale hasn't made it to me yet? 😛

[@YNABofficial]

Ha! Not rub-in, but excite! I'm getting you amped for your own mug ;) Jesse would love to chat woodworking and gardening and self-sufficiency! We'll see what we can do here... -Hannah :)

[@ryanash6741]

@@YNABofficial, mission accomplished on the mug, Hannah! Mission accomplished! Lol! Looking forward to hearing more from Jesse (and you, of course).

[@bewilderedlearningevolving]

The little tree on your desk, is it real? #lifegoals

[@YNABofficial]

Shhhhhh, we don't talk about the authenticity of our plants around here... -Hannah :) P.S. absolutely it is fake, don't tell everyone else.

[@heatherj.7283]

Yes to coconut cream pie!!

[@YNABofficial]

🥰

[@ljs94]

#bringbackwhiteboardwednesday

[@ljs94]

Seriously, stop having kids and start back doing 5 minute Whiteboard Wednesdays!

[@JesseMecham]

@@ljs94 Okay, the first comment I'm like, "eh." But the reply to your own comment got an LOL.

@@JesseMecham that should be a LOL #talkingaboutgrammar

[@YNABofficial]

Ooh, fascinating Raul. In playful defense of Jesse's grammatical integrity, I actually vote debatable. "A lol" if you pronounce it like a word (loll). "An LOL" if you say each letter (L-O-L). "A laugh out loud" if you're laughing out loud at something prior to the twenty-first century 😂 Man, language has gotten weird... #poundsignorhashtag -Hannah :)

@@YNABofficial Hahaha. Fair enough. Thanks for the reply, dear Hannah!

[@BreeMalone]

Dave Ramsey financial peace and the millionaire next door... 2 great books 👍🏻👍🏻

[@ginachauvin8386]

where can we get the ynab coffee mug?

[@YNABofficial]

The mug was a product on our 2020 swag sale! The sale is closed for this year, but we hope to have another swag sale in 2021! -Hannah :)