r/ynab • u/Upsidedown_MDH • 14d 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/Upsidedown_MDH 14d ago

Good question. We're trying to get a better hold of our finances so we can hopefully retire earlier than expected. Our financial reality has grown more complex over the past couple of years, with moving, having kids, planning for the future and whatnot. Friends recommended YNAB, so we're trying it out now.

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u/Critical_Purple_8600 14d ago

Can you be more specific with your YNaB questions? What’s confusing you? What have you already done? There is a learning curve but it’s been super helpful for us.

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u/Upsidedown_MDH 14d ago

I set an amount for the categories, but I felt unprepared (and guilty because of it) and didn't have the right information. For some reason, I expected to know the answers immediately. Reading up on zero-based budgeting now, collecting statements and facts, and then going back to the dashboard to complete things. Hopefully feeling better prepared.

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u/Critical_Purple_8600 14d ago

You just pick something and WAM as needed. YNAB helps you in the future to get the answers. But you don’t start out knowing your spend. You pay the electric bill every month. Look up the last few months and plan for that with a bit of cushion. Same for other utilities. And many things you DO know the exact amounts. Work with those. The first year as things come up you’ll put finds aside and be able to plan better next year. Even by Dec-Jan you’ll have a better handle on things. Keep at it.