You Need a Budget (YNAB) is my favorite budgeting software. I tried several after I abandoned my paper budgeting system, and YNAB is the one I liked best and have used for more than five years now. However, that’s not to say learning to use it was easy. YNAB is notoriously difficult for newbies to learn how to use. Thankfully, the YNAB team realizes this and continues to make changes so the program is more intuitive. Still, I want to share the steps I used to flatten the YNAB learning curve when I first began using the software.
Steps to Flatten the YNAB Learning Curve
Every new YNAB user has multiple resources at their disposal. YNAB research shows that most new users want to jump in and start using the software immediately. Go ahead, start that way. That’s how I did it, too. Then, I realized I was confused by some parts, such as how to properly set up credit cards that I use every month. When you hit a stumbling block, consider using these resources to flatten the YNAB learning curve.
Watch the YNAB Instructional Videos
YNAB has many instructional videos, which you’ll find under “Get Started.” Then go to “Take a Free Class” and choose between “Live Q & A” and “Video Courses.” Both types of courses should give you the information that you need.
Ask a Friend
Do you have a friend who referred you to YNAB? If so, ask if they have time to sit down with you and help you with any difficulties you are facing. I find sitting down, side-by-side, with an experienced user is the best way to learn the program. However, that’s not an option for everyone.
Ask in the Facebook Groups
If you don’t have a friend to ask, a substitute is to ask in the Facebook YNAB (You Need a Budget) Fans private group. This group has almost 70,000 members, and they are happy to assist you both in the mechanics of using the system and the overall YNAB money philosophy.
I’ve occasionally asked questions there on the mechanics of using the system, and they’re always able to help me.
Email YNAB
As another option, you can email YNAB your question, and customer service will get back to you, usually within 48 hours. I wish that YNAB had a customer service phone line, but they don’t to keep costs lower. However, they are timely in their email responses.
Final Thoughts
If you don’t understand YNAB completely in 30 days, don’t give up. I had to start a new budget in YNAB several times because I messed something up that I couldn’t figure out how to fix. However, for the last three years, I’ve had no issues. Even better, YNAB has helped my husband and me improve our finances. Further, because of YNAB, we can see our financial situation at a glance in addition to our net worth. YNAB is a powerful financial tool, but know that to unlock all of its benefits, you’ll need to take steps to flatten the YNAB learning curve.
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Melissa is a writer and virtual assistant. She earned her Master’s from Southern Illinois University, and her Bachelor’s in English from the University of Michigan. When she’s not working, you can find her homeschooling her kids, reading a good book, or cooking. She resides in New York where she loves the natural beauty of the area.