Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I don't review often, but this is worth my time. This software is a great tool in managing your money. I have used it for about 7 months now, and once I got the hang of it, it has become irreplaceable in how I manage my money. This software may no be for everyone, in that it is not as full featured as Quicken or iBank, but it is not designed to be like Quicken or iBank. You Need A Budget (YNAB) is created to help you tell your money where to go, not just to see where it went.
To get the full experience of this software, it is helpful to start with at least one month of income on hand. Basically, this program takes this months income and uses it for next months expenses. If you don't have that, don't worry, you can still use the program, but it will push you toward that goal. This practice alone has completely changed the way I manage money. I no longer really pay attention to when my payday is, because I set my budget and I know that on the first of every month, I can pay every expected bill that will come.
Also, this program works better if you take an active roll in your budgeting. You will have to assign every spending transaction into a category or else everything is thrown off. I like this, because it forces me to be accountable in my spending. I can't spend more on a certain budget line and "sweep it under the rug" and pretend you didn't go over.
If you are looking for something to help you watch your finances and get an overview of where your money is going, this is not the program for you. If you are looking for a system to help you actively manage your money and budget monthly, this is the best I have found.
The learning curve is a little steeper than most other money management software, but once you learn it, it is easy. When I first started using YNAB, I would spend at least an hour or two every week with the program. Now, I spend maybe 15 minutes a week on finances, and it is always reconciled to my statements, and my budget is up to date.
If you have an iPhone or Android, there is a great mobile app that lets you track spending on the go, and then wirelessly match it with YNAB on the computer. It also shows your up to date budget. I always have my budget with me! The cost for the app is $9.99. (Probably worth $4.99, but it's still worth it.) There is no iPad app yet, but hopefully that will come in the future.
I know this is not necessarily the best review from the technical aspect, but hopefully this helps.
The forums are very active on the YNAB website, with the developer on there as well to help answer questions. I have never posted on the forum, but I have always found answers to questions that I have. They also have free online classes to help you learn the product. The developer is not interested in just selling the software, but helping you manage your money better.
Again... if you are looking for something to passively watch your money with, this will frustrate you. If you are wanting to take control of your finances and stop being broke... this is the program for you.
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You Need A Budget - Personal Finance Software - for Mac
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