A decent replacement for Mvelopes A decent replacement for Mvelopes, which is why I chose it. (I like to have “extra” money left over in each budget category each month, so I have some in case the following month is unpredictable, and this was the only program where that seemed possible.) There are a few kinks/features I wish were possible. For example, I wish it were easier to focus on specific budget categories, and see reports on spending. (Ie, click a budget category, and see a register of expenditures and funding.) Also wish it were easier to have pre-set “funding plans” for a two paycheck month. Right now I have to fund each budget category manually for my first paycheck of the month, instead of having a template for half my budget. (It’s either all of nothing, if you want to fund several categories with one click, which makes it hard to do one paycheck at a time, vs an entire months budget.) There are definitely some features I wish were possible, but overall it functions decently for how I like to budget.

I loved YNAB before it went online I loved YNAB before it went online. I tried it online. It is so different I cannot tell what is going on. I cannot reconcile accounts. I have no control. Asking for help did not help. I am now using another software.

Peace of mind after you put in the work Really great method to get peace of mind about your financial situation. YNAB is best if you're willing to buy-in to their system: setting goals, categorizing every transaction. This app is especially great for people who have inconsistent income as it lets you plan ahead and know you have money to cover your expenses.

Best budget program Absolutely changed the way we budget each month. It only takes about 20 minutes each week once you get the hang of it. It is a little more complicated and harder to learn than things like Mint but it works better and actually produces results.

Better Than Envelope System I have used and planned on returning to the "envelope system" and the first day, we went to a concert that was cashless. So, I started my search for something similar and came upon YNAB through Nick from Mapped Out Money. It took a bit of getting used to but now I ADORE IT. My husband lost his job over a year ago and I have never had as much money as I do right now. Those "surprise" expenses that used to derail me, are now taken care of without a second thought. An example is a credit card fee, I had been putting a few bucks aside for a year and when it hit, it was immediately paid for already. I have never lived life like this and now have a category to gift it to our nieces and nephews when they get older.