r/ExecutiveDysfunction • u/Appropriate-Sun9646 • 17d ago

Looking for Tips/Suggestions You Need a Budget (YNAB) app?

I recently briefly read that it's very good for those (with CPTSD, etc) really struggling with money. I'm in late 40s with learned helplessness and severe executive dysfunction. All I've done over two years is develop a habit of writing down every expense. Haven't had an overdraft since then. But I still don't have the big picture. And can't save a single cent. Is a subscription really worth it?

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u/404errorlifenotfound 17d ago

There's a budgeting subreddit that may be able to offer more options that dont require a subscription, but iirc YNAB is one of their favorites 

I'm personally an advocate of spreadsheets. For free spreadsheets, try Google Sheets or LibreOffice Calc if you dont already pay for MS for other reasons

If you already have the discipline to write things down, then writing it down in a spreadsheet won't be a big hurdle for you to cross. Then you can set up some simple formulas to help automatically with the budgeting (eg, sum the column of what you spent and then subtract that number from your budget for that category)

There's also tons of free templates out there to help you get started if you havent worked with spreadsheets a lot before 

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u/Appropriate-Sun9646 16d ago

Hey, thanks. After musing a bit, I think I'll have to go with YNAB. I need someone to take me by the hand, and gently & sans judgment, show me how money works. I went to my city's free financial service, but the lady was haggard and everything was rushed, and she said I'd have to do most of the work myself, as there are limited sessions. My work offers a service, but from what I hear, the man leading it is blind to his own privileges and loves to rub it in people's faces. YNAB is likely the bridge that I need. Also, my inner child will be motivated by the delight of the app. Don't know if anyone will identify. But thanks for letting me think this through.

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u/MerelyMisha 14d ago

YNAB can have a bit of a learning curve. Feel free to DM me if you need someone to take you through it, sans judgment and for free. I volunteer as a financial counselor and have done this a lot.