YouNeedaBudgetaustin-moms-blog-YNAB

You Need A Budget and I Do Too!

Between the unending need for diapers/wipes, not to mention SNACKS, unexpected must-have next-size ballet shoes, doctor’s office co-pays, after-school activities, toys, (did I mention FOOD?), summer camp fees and beyond, I truly cannot imagine a season of life where I’ve ever needed a budget more. As a mom of two, it seems like the financial needs of my family are limitless, while my monthly income is somehow literally shrinking. Budgeting tips and/or programs always felt so defeating and pointless to me in the past, as the budget issue just seemed to add to my “Mom-guilt” and led me to feel like a failure as I watched my budgeting efforts fall short time and time again.

I mean honestly, we’ve all heard of the cash budget, right? But I just don’t have the daily organization or self-control that the cash budget requires in order to keep that MUCH cash on hand, so that I can pay for what we need at the right time and place. I’ve also tried keeping a diligent eye on my spending accounts, and setting up a time every week to match up my spending activity with my budget. Known as the “weekly family budget analysis meetings” that both my husband and I would mutually dread. But I always ended up feeling frustrated by my over-spending and therefore discouraged, and then giving up on this after a few months. When I already fear that my budget isn’t working, it just isn’t fun to prove my fears to be right.

Also, looking at a boring and very discouraging spreadsheet? Not exactly what I want to do with the few moments of “me-time” that I get every day – amiright?!

That said, it has been extremely beneficial for my emotional and mental (and of course financial!) well-being to start using a new app called YNAB (You Need a Budget) to help me manage my family’s spending activity. I honestly like using the app so much that I reached out to YNAB directly, explaining how other Austin Moms needed to know about this, and they’ve agreed to let me share with you about why I like using it so much.  You can even test it out yourself with a free 34-day trial – sign up here if you want to.

My favorite thing about YNAB’s app is that it is just as a mobile app should be, easy to use and of course accessible everywhere! {One thing to note: the app is always accessible on mobile phones, but the program does require that you download it first on a desktop, to sync with your accounts there, and from then on it syncs with bank and credit card accounts automatically.} The best part is that I can quickly input how much I spend and look at the impact on my budget right away, on-the-go, and it is always up-to-date.

So literally, if you see me on my phone at HEB while they are bagging my groceries (or likely while my kids bang on the HEB Buddy Bucks machine) I’m probably putting in the total amount I just spent. (I maaaay also be checking my texts and probably Facebook of course too.) But then I’m done with budgeting that activity before my food is even in the car.

Then, the next time I shop (or let’s be honest, when I decide whether or not to stop for Chick-Fil-A on the way home), I can quickly glance at the app to see how my “out-to-eat” and grocery budgets are doing. No spreadsheet or ongoing monitoring or maintenance needed at all. I can track every dollar I spend as I decide how to spend it! No late-night wondering whether or not I put that into the spreadsheet or weekly budget analysis meetings.

It’s also great that this app does allow me to customize and change my budgets,  if or when I do desire to be extra strategic about a specific debt or more strict about my limits. I can utilize their tools to help me save for an item or goal. The app allows you to analyze the “age” of your dollars, to move money from one budget category to another, and to get great financial tips from their weekly online financial classes, YouTube videos, Facebook community and/or blog. I love that they allow you to try it for free for one month (that’s how I got hooked) and that it’s only a $50 fee to sign up. $50 is nothing compared to the peace I now feel about seeing all of money so well organized. Or really, $50 is about equivalent to the price of a mani/pedi that I badly need…and can now afford since my grocery budget is finally in check!

I’m ever thankful for YNAB helping me to balance all of the unpredictable and unending financial needs of caring for my family. I truly hope it will help all of you to manage your family’s financial spending and maybe even help you save up for that extra pedicure, or even a family vacation this summer!

Check out the website to sign up for a free trial month.

Lydia Hekman
As the Sales Manager for Austin Moms, Lydia works with our amazing advertising sponsors who enable our site to continue to flourish and grow! She loves to help businesses spread the word about their products or services and how they can support Austin Moms. Lydia has been married to Scott for almost 13 years, and she is Mom to Violet, Ezra & Sylvia. She loves serving local Moms as a part of this Austin Moms team, but also separately as a birth doula. She and her family are partners of the Austin Stone Community Church where her husband Scott is an Executive Pastor & Elder. Lydia also loves going out to eat, vacationing in Michigan and spending time with her friends and family. 

1 COMMENT

  1. I just wanted to add my two cents. I’ve been using YNAB for over a year and a half and it has helped transform my household net worth. I love it! It’s user friendly and they have lots of great tutorials about how to start budgeting. The first two months of budgeting were difficult, but as soon as we got the hang of it my husband and I felt like we got a raise!

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