# You Need A Budget Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Is You Need A Budget the right Budgeting solution for you? Explore 18 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/234230/You-Need-A-Budget/reviews --- You Need A Budget 4.9 (18) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated August 24th, 2025 # Reviews of You Need A Budget Ease of use 4.3 Customer Service 4.9 ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-18 of 18 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use Ben S. Production Manager Entertainment Used the software for: 2+ years ### "One of the best budgeting apps out there." February 10, 2023 4.0 Overall, I've been really happy with YNAB. I've tried a bunch of different budgeting apps. I've left YNAB a few times and tried different things here and there, but I seem to always come back to YNAB, as nothing else is as easy to use, and as capable to do what I need to do. I've used YNAB since version 3, and have seen it go through many many changes. I appreciate that they are always working on things and trying to make it better; and the support team is always great and responsive. It's just comfortable and pleasant to use most of the time, and I highly recommend it. Pros I love the flexibility of YNAB. I like how easy it is to setup your budget and lay it out the way that works for your lifestyle and family. You can make it as complex or simple as you need. I love being able to sync with my bank and download transactions automatically. It does a really good job of matching up transactions, and auto assigning them based on your history. It's really easy to see where you are financially at a glance. It's not overly cluttered, and you can adjust different parameters based on how you use it to make it more visually useful and appealing. I also like the four rule system that it is based around. I don't fully follow that system, but it's flexible enough to be used for the way that you like to do things. The mobile app is also really convenient to help track your budget and enter transactions on the go. Cons I don't like that it's browser based only. I completely understand why they moved that direction, and it makes sense, I just hate high touch browser only apps. I much prefer these types of things to be a dedicated desktop app. To me they are harder and less convenient to use; having to interface with it through the browser interface. Switched from [Quicken](https://www.capterra.com/p/151854/Quicken/)[Mint](https://www.capterra.com/p/213530/Mint/) No other budgeting app that I've used really comes close to the capabilities and ease of use of YNAB. Review Source JV John V. Integral Professional Coach Professional Training & Coaching Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "The best budgeting app, period." February 17, 2022 5.0 It is literally life changing, and you can find remarkable, uplifting stories at their web site, in Facebook groups, YouTube and elsewhere. YNAB offers excellent, detailed help on its web site and in its YouTube channel. There are also bloggers/vloggers with good content. YNAB has helped me so much that I have applied to take the YNAB coach training to share the joy and empowerment with others. Pros YNAB, as it's called, provides a strong, clear structure to support the user in being budget conscious, practical and effective. YNAB works amazing if you follow the Four Rules: 1) Give every dollar a job (this eliminates casual and unconscious spending habits); 2) Embrace your true expenses (this sets the user up to always meet the essential needs, short- and long-term; e.g., no more expenses for which the money isn't available); 3) Roll with the punches (Life happens. When an unexpected expense occurs, pull from other budget items to cover for it, rather than increase debt, etc... as much as one can, of course); 4) Age your money (that is, discipline your spending so that you have a much money as possible to fund the next month BEFORE it arrives. This is what creates surplus and has gotten countless people out of debt). Cons YNAB has its own budgeting paradigm and language that take some getting used to. Unfortunately, a lot of people give up because of this. But that's my only "dislike" about it, which isn't even a dislike. It is an app that requires time to learn, which, IMHO, reflects why it is valuable. Too instant and too easy isn't really helpful (and makes for dull, lazy people). However, there are independent coaches trained by the YNAB company. I hired one, and it rocket-launched my success, and I was able to budget for February before the end of January, and had a little surplus. No more month-to-month! Alternatives considered [Mint](https://www.capterra.com/p/213530/Mint/) Reason for choosing You Need A Budget YNAB is the only app of its kind. It is not simply a numbers tracker; it helps you develop consciousness and positive habits with money. No other app does this, or certainly not as well. Plus the community is friendly and helpful. Review Source CM Claire M. NA Health, Wellness and Fitness Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "I want to love this" November 3, 2022 5.0 I can really see how this tool would be very helpful both personally and for a business. I just don't happen to be a tech savvy user so i find it frustrating. That said, I have paid for a second year and am determined to get back to it and really learn it. It's a steep curve for me personally, I'm not sure it would be for others. Pros The idea of linking bank accounts and credit cards to an online budget is very appealing. Doing a budget manually often resulted in math errors that accumulated as time went on and I think that this would prevent that. Plus, it gives you a more thorough overview of your spending when credit cards are linked. I like how easy it is to link accounts and create budget categories. Cons It is very difficult for me to figure out, especially since it's not something I use daily. I use it as a personal budget tool but honestly, have yet to actually use it effectively and I struggle with the application of the software. The how-to videos seem to move pretty fast and I lose patience (both with them and myself) when I can't keep up. Someone has even tried to explain it step by step on a zoom call and I still don't get it. Review Source Dinos P. President Marketing and Advertising Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Awesome software...but only for micro/small businesses... (and yourself...)" September 13, 2021 5.0 It excels at the things I need/want it to do. It's simple, easy to use and easy to get help with. It also has a large, friendly, knowledgeable userbase. Pros YNAB just works. The budgeting tool along its goals feature allows me to easily manage my companies' budget and the checking/saving account registers are easy to use. The bank transaction importing feature is very solid and works very nicely. Cons Since it's technically personal finance software...and I'm using it for my small business...I wish it had a few more things geared for biz owners and people who have small 1-personal businesses. Alternatives considered [Quicken](https://www.capterra.com/p/151854/Quicken/) Reason for choosing You Need A Budget I know it well, it's easy to use but most importantly - their support staff is second to none. They're just great people and know their product very well. Review Source EC Ella C. Finance Assistant Accounting Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Worth the difficult set up process. " August 6, 2024 5.0 Good, I will continue to use it despite it being hard to set up. Pros Being able to assign every penny to a budget Cons It takes a long time to set up and can be quite confusing. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Life Coach Professional Training & Coaching Used the software for: 2+ years ### "You Really Do Need A Budget" April 15, 2022 5.0 This software is a must-have for me. Using this product has taught me so much about my own spending patterns, given me a clear overview of my day to day cash flow and helped me plan for the future. Money is so much less stressful now and I am so grateful. Pros You Need A Budget (YNAB) is a financial education company disguised as budgeting software. The level of support and education they provide for free to help you get the most of their tool is phenomenal. They have 4 simple rules but lots of options for how to enact those rules to bring awareness to your cash flow and long term financial goals. Cons If you are accustomed to accounting software like Quicken or Mint, there will be a little bit of a learning curve. It is possible to jump right in but I'd recommend setting aside a few hours to watch the videos, attend a free webinar, read (lots of options for different learning styles) to really get the most out of it. YNAB regularly rolls out new features. I find the recently added "Auto-Assign" feature to be difficult to navigate but I do prefer a very hands-on, granular approach to my budget which wouldn't work for everyone. YNAB gives you lots of room to experiment with what works best for you. Alternatives considered [Mint](https://www.capterra.com/p/213530/Mint/) Reason for choosing You Need A Budget Ease of use, educational materials, cost. Review Source Ben N. IT, Transportation & Logistics Recreational Facilities and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "There are a lot of options, but there is a reason that I pay for YNAB" April 8, 2022 5.0 I've used several home budgeting applications of the years. I gave Quicken (way back in the day) and Mint (before and after it was purchase by Intuit) each years of use. I explored Dave Ramsey's online tool, and even considered building my own budgeting application in a spread sheet. I stumbled across YNAB at some point after giving up on Mint, and I've been a happily using them for many years. There have been several upgrades throughout my time as a user, and while a couple have caused a moment's pause to relearn what was second nature prior to the change, each update has increased the value and functionality of the application. Their current version is full featured, flexible, and most of all, useful. I would be lost if I didn't have a budgeting app with the full feature set that YNAB brings. Pros I appreciate that YNAB has a money methodology that they are built for (give every dollar a name), but they are flexible enough to allow me to adapt my budget to my own personal needs and philosophy. This flexibility, coupled with the must have feature of automatically importing bank records into the financial ledger make them my favorite home budget software. Cons For a budgeting software, they feel a little expensive. It's not a lot, but there are free solutions out there, and while I've not shopped in a long time (I've been a YNAB user for years), I believe there are less expensive paid options as well. However, I have no qualms about paying the annual fee when it comes up every year. The value of the product exceeds the cost, and I am happy with the product that I get for my money. Review Source JE Jeremy E. Owner, Instructor Music Used the software for: 2+ years ### "YNAB keeps my finances organized" May 24, 2022 5.0 YNAB has a simple philosophy around money that says to give every dollar a job (whether that is to pay your mortgage, groceries, save for a rainy day, or buy something fun), live on last month's income, and roll with the punches. My success with budgets prior to YNAB was pretty abysmal because I didn't have the right mindset in place. I would set spending goals and limits, and when I didn't stay in my budget I cursed myself for not being disciplined enough. The problem was I had the wrong system in place. YNAB helped to give me the right system/mental framework to be successful. I never know with 100% certainty how much I'll spend in a given month, but the YNAB framework helps me roll with the punches. After using YNAB for around a decade for my personal finances, I've also started using it for my business finances as a solopreneur. I currently use Quickbooks to keep things organized for my CPA when tax time arrives, but I find YNAB so much more intuitive and easily customizable. It seems like Quickbooks is feature-rich, and can do a lot of things that accountants like. But really for my needs it is too much. It might be different if I were running a larger company, but at my current level YNAB is the better option. Pros I've been using YNAB for a long time now. Long enough that I don't remember precisely when I started, but probably around 10 years. I have used it to manage my personal finances and stay on budget. It complex enough and with enough features that it can basically do everything that I want it to do, while also being simple enough that I will actually use it. Cons Syncing my bank and credit card accounts does not always work the way I expect. I know this isn't all YNAB's fault...financial institutions have a lot of reasons to be conscious about the security measures they have in place, and rightly so. The upside is that it is less likely cybercriminals get into my accounts. The downside is my accounts don't always sync right, or I have to verify (over and over) that I am who I say I am, or I have to delete the account completely from my YNAB and add it back in. It's the price we pay to keep ne'er-do-wells out of our financial accounts. Review Source Jamie S. Productivity Coach Consumer Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "The budgeting software that pays for itself!" December 22, 2022 5.0 I have used YNAB for years. I can't even remember how many years. This software is getting me out of debt because it is so easy to see what extra money I can put toward credit card payments. I also love how easy it is to see where your money is going at a glance. Moving money around to adjust your budget as the month goes on is super simple. Pros I love how easy it is to check my budget before making a purchase. I use the mobile app on the road, but my love is for the desktop software. I find it easy to budget and keep track of spending. I switched from Microsoft Money years ago. I never thought I could love a software more than Microsoft money. YNAB found room in my heart. Cons There is a learning curve, but there is plenty of documentation to get you started. I wish there was a cash flow forecaster. Sometimes the app and the desktop are not in sync. That may be user error more than anything. Alternatives considered [Mint](https://www.capterra.com/p/213530/Mint/)[QuickBooks Enterprise](https://www.capterra.com/p/174984/QuickBooks-Enterprise/)[QuickBooks Online](https://www.capterra.com/p/190778/QuickBooks-Online/) Reason for choosing You Need A Budget I chose YNAB for pricing and ease of use. Review Source Chris G. Director of Product Marketing Insurance Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Best budgeting app there is" September 13, 2021 5.0 Overall, it has been a great experience. I just renewed for another year because of the value I have received from using it. Their mobile and desktop experience are both great. It is well worth the time it takes to learn it. Pros You Need a Budget (YNAB) has an interesting philosophy that drives their app: every dollar has a job. This means that you assign everything you make to a category and to monitor and track where things are going. It has been a game-changer for managing my finances. I've been able to save more and actually know where all of my money is going. Cons I think the learning curve to truly using the app well is pretty high. I had to watch quite a few videos and read articles to even begin to understand what was going on. Also, some of their integrations didn't work as well as I would have liked. Their American Express integration was rather slow and often got delayed which messed up my budgeting and reporting. Review Source SS Sylvia S. Analyst Marketing and Advertising Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great But Has A Learning Curve" October 29, 2021 5.0 The cons are minimal for this budgeting software. I love the mindset change that trains you to think about your money. Think of it as a digital envelope system except smarter. You have to watch a few videos to completely understand how to utilize it and figure out your money, but when you do, it's like a whole new world. You will never look at your money the same again and you develop better personal finance approaches to your expenses and savings. It's completely worth going through the trial and learning how to use it. If you need more time on your trial, contact support and they can help you. Pros You really stay on top of your personal budget. After learning how to use it and understanding the concepts, it becomes a habit to track and maintain your money. It's a whole mindset change for the better. Cons The learning curve on this is steeper than some of the other online budgeting software. If it doesn't come to you initially, you have to learn more by watching videos or go to their support page. They give you a free trial that isn't long enough for you to learn, so you have to make a decision whether to stick with this long term. Reason for choosing You Need A Budget It's cheaper and does more. Review Source TQ Todd Q. CEO Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Hands down, best tool for managing cash flow" July 7, 2022 5.0 We're in a growth phase and spending a lot on development. YNAB helps us understand how long our development budget will last and if we need to trim other expenses to extend our development timeline. Pros It's great for planning the money you already have. It really forces you to think about your priorities and what needs to be paid for before you get paid again. No other budgeting software comes close to the clarity of cash flow that this provides. Cons The reports could be a bit more in-depth, but it's a minor complaint. Alternatives considered [Microsoft Excel](https://www.capterra.com/p/176574/Excel/) Reason for choosing You Need A Budget Our time is more valuable developing our own software product vs developing an in-house budgeting tool. Switched from [Mint](https://www.capterra.com/p/213530/Mint/) Mint is an expense tracker and it's budgeting capabilities are not good. Review Source DI Daniel I. N/A Legal Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "I've been happily managing my finances with YNAB for almost 7 years" February 16, 2023 5.0 It's been my (only) go to app to manage my personal and household finances since june 2016 and I haven't looked back ever since. It's helped me truly stay on top of my spending and financial goals. Pros I absolutely love the ideology behind YNAB, even more than the extensive functionalities it offers. The fact that it is designed to budget to the last cent is truly powerful. Cons The lack of bank account integration when I lived in Ecuador. I had to manually input every single transaction for quite a couple years. I still love it but would have preferred to have the option to sync them. Alternatives considered [Mint](https://www.capterra.com/p/213530/Mint/)[Spendee](https://www.capterra.com/p/238829/Spendee/) Reason for choosing You Need A Budget Mint wasn't functional in Ecuador, at the time in which I chose YNAB, while Spendee was too basic. I really needed a system, more than just an app and YNAB is that and more. Review Source CB Caitlin B. Photographer Photography Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Changed my life" August 30, 2023 5.0 YNAB has changed my life. I feel so optimistic about where I am going to be in the future and I finally feel I have full control and awareness of every dollar I make. I used to think I was poor but now I realise I just wasn't managing my money correctly. I am abundant, thanks to YNAB making me realise that! Pros Finding control over my money using visual cues; helpful, mathematical features; function and awareness of debt management. Cons Can't sort by next due date — I find this odd because they often promote (through their helpful YouTube videos) to ensure your bills are paid on time by setting due dates and target amounts. Review Source AL April L. Owner Writing and Editing Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Awesome Business & Personal Budget" January 11, 2024 5.0 Pros For the first couple of years of my business I used YNAB for all my business accounting and personal accounting (separate files) and it worked great. Have transitioned now to QuickBooks but am still using it for my personal budget. Cons I get frustrated sometimes using the budgeting feature if I get behind in updates, but if I'm consistent that works fine. Switched from [Mint](https://www.capterra.com/p/213530/Mint/) Better functionality, cleaner interface. Review Source KD Kari D. Manager Management Consulting Used the software for: 2+ years ### "You need this software" April 30, 2022 5.0 Pros The best thing about YNAB is that they give you principles to live by. It’s not just a budgeting software, but a way of life. Cons I love everyone about this component and there isn’t anything I’d change at this time Review Source JL Jarrod L. Manager Construction Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Far Superior to Other Apps" March 11, 2022 5.0 Pros I have used YNAB for a personal budget for a while. After giving up on software designed for businesses we finally decided to try YNAB and it is phenomenal for a small business. Funds work perfectly, it lets us get an immediate snapshot of cash reality. The age of money feature is awesome to as we try to build up reserves and stay ahead on cash! Cons It isn't the cheapest option in the world. But, I do believe that it pays for itself over time. In money saved and in time saved as well. Review Source CA Chris A. Owner Business Supplies and Equipment Used the software for: I used a free trial ### "Not worth the money for those experienced with budgeting" December 8, 2021 4.0 Pros This tool helps people get a grasp of their finances Cons There are free tools like Mint that do the job just fine Review Source Similar Products Featured