If you’re looking for an easy-to-use, effective home budget software product for your desktop, I would like to recommend one that is quickly becoming very popular among many savers I know. While many people are very familiar with Quicken, they’ve got a rival that’s fast grabbing market share due to its top features and great customer and technical support. That budget planning software is none other than YNAB (You Need A Budget).
If you’re interested in trying out the product, you can also download YNAB for a 7 day free trial. Note that the YNAB site also offers additional items through their online store, including:
- YNAB 3 software
- The YNAB Way (e-book), which explains the YNAB methodology — a debt reduction strategy upon which YNAB 3 is based
- A YNAB 3 Gift Certificate for a friend or loved one
- A one hour, one-on-one budget coaching session
- An UNCredit Card USB Drive
All the items above can be found in the YNAB store.
The “You Need A Budget” Methodology
YNAB is based on solid money management principles and a methodology that helps you keep your finances under control. Here are some rules that YNAB aims to address:
- Rule #1: Stop living paycheck to paycheck. YNAB will guide you through living within your means.
- Rule #2: Give every dollar a job. You’ll be able to account for every dollar you have.
- Rule #3: Save for a rainy day. You’ll get a good picture of your savings through this tool.
- Rule #4: Roll with the punches. YNAB is a flexible tool that allows you to adjust your budget whenever necessary.
YNAB Features
If you still need a bit more information, here’s a summary of YNAB’s features:
1. You can import your data from various bank accounts into YNAB.
2. YNAB employs the envelope budgeting approach.
3. You can save more easily by using YNAB’s saving methodology.
4. Debt reduction becomes an easier task by using this budgeting tool.
5. You can schedule recurring transactions easily.
6. The tool allows you to keep an eye out on your spending, particularly your unexpected expenses.
7. YNAB has features such as “Quickbudget”, that allow you to work on your budget quickly and efficiently.
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That looks like a great piece of software. I couldn’t agree more that creating and actually living by a budget is the only real way to take control of your financial situation. I’m going to take a look at the software you recommended and see how it works for me.
This looks like it could be a great tool. I think I’ll investigate and consider using it. Thanks for sharing the information.