Whether we like it or not, a vast amount of life is spent thinking about money. As a saver, I am prone to attach my security to my the numbers on my bank statement. Prior to budgeting, I never enjoyed spending money, and I only spent it on what I deemed absolutely necessary.

When I started to get to know my husband, it was evident he did not feel the same way. And I really admired it! He bought things for other people, even people he didn’t know! He is so generous. However, when we were engaged, I couldn’t rest until we had a plan for reconciling this difference. Some great friends/mentors walked us through how to create a monthly budget–creating categories (envelopes) for necessities, making savings goals and well as “fun” personal spending money when we had room for it. We would track all of our spending with receipts & spreadsheets, ensuring that we did not exceed the decided amounts for each category.

YNAB (You Need a Budget), an amazing budgeting software, was introduced to us shortly after our wedding, and it really eliminated a lot of the tedious spreadsheet work. The newest software can sync with online bank accounts and pull in your transactions–no receipts needed!

YNAB is great for planning, saving, and tracking spending. It has also diffused a dicey part of our relationship! I tell people that, other than Jesus, YNAB is our MVP. Since budgeting, I have had FUN spending money because every dollar has a job, and I know what those jobs are. So, while some of our money is designated for bills and specific savings goals, there is a portion that is designated for me and there is a portion designated for eating out, and I can ENJOY those things.

While YNAB does charge an annual fee, I guarantee that if used correctly, it will more than pay for itself. Plus there is a free trial phase so that you can try it out! Please reach out to me or Brandon if you want help setting one up–he is very, very passionate about this company. 😉