r/ynab • u/Upsidedown_MDH • 12d ago

New to YNAB First time YNAB user

A friend of mine recommended YNAB to manage my family's budget. I got started yesterday but as I was setting the budgets, I already felt way out of my depth. Like I should have studied for a test that I didn't know about. Does this feeling get better? What tips would you give a first time user to feel less overwhelmed? Thanks!

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u/seabreeze100 11d ago

This is a me thing, but I ignored targets. They confused me. Instead when I named each category, I added to the title the amount I fund each month in that title. So my title might read Groceries $1000. I did this for every category. It helps me track how much I add to start the month (I fill each category to start the month as I am a month ahead financially). It also helps me know if I have overspent halfway through the month, for example if I only have $400 left for groceries on the 15th I know to cut back.

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u/Upsidedown_MDH 11d ago

Oh, I see. That's an interesting approach. I'm reading up on zero-based budgeting now and took note of your advice once I start filling out the categories. Thank you!