Pick Your Program. First, select an application that can create and edit spreadsheet files. YNAB is a software platform that can be used across desktop computers, the iPhone and Android operating systems, iPads, Apple Watches, and the Amazon Echo system.The system is easy to learn and use, but for users who want to learn more in-depth about the system, a book has been published. The general theory of YNAB is to 'give every dollar a job'.
| Developer(s) | Jesse Mecham |
|---|---|
| Initial release | 2004; 16 years ago |
| Operating system | Windows, OS X, Linux, Android (operating system), iOS |
| Type | Personal finance |
| License | Trialware |
| Website | www.ynab.com |
You Need a Budget (YNAB) (pronounced Why-nab) is an American multi-platform personal budgeting program based on the envelope method. In 2013 it was the most popular personal finance software among Lifehacker readers.[1]
Overview[edit]
YNAB is a software platform that can be used across desktop computers, the iPhone and Android operating systems, iPads, Apple Watches, and the Amazon Echo system[2]. The system is easy to learn and use, but for users who want to learn more in-depth about the system, a book has been published[3].
The general theory of YNAB is to 'give every dollar a job'. Each dollar in savings is saved for a specific purpose, such as annual car insurance payment, long-term housing repair fund, college savings, etc. The goal of YNAB is to consider long-term expenses every month to prevent spending 'surprises' and break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle.
While one could implement the same principles on their own, the software auto-imports transactions for users to categorize in one click. The software also displays financial reports to keep users informed about their finances at a glance. Lastly, the platform also has several open-source add-ons that offer additional reporting tools.
Versions[edit]
The latest version, dubbed 'The New YNAB' or 'nYNAB,' was launched December 30, 2015[4] as a web-based application, with apps for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices.
The previous version 4, YNAB4, was released in June 2012. Version 4 was a desktop-based application available for Windows and Mac OS, with apps for iPhone and Android devices. Storing the budget file in DropBox allowed synchronization between the desktop and mobile applications. Version 4 was maintained through 2016, and the company ended support for Version 4 in October 2019.
YNAB 3 (released December 2009) ran on multiple platforms using the Adobe AIR runtime,[5] and previous versions included a Microsoft Excel/OpenOffice.org Calc spreadsheet implementation (dubbed YNAB Basic and discontinued in July 2009) and a Windows-only executable under the name YNAB Pro (discontinued in December 2009).
YNAB for iPhone was released in 2010 and runs on the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. It is not a standalone budgeting application but is instead designed to complement the YNAB for Desktop application. A version tailored for iPad and including budgeting support was released in 2014.[6][7] YNAB for Android was released in September 2011.[citation needed]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^'Most Popular Personal Finance Software: YNAB'. Lifehacker. Gawker Media. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
- ^'Our App Lineup'. You Need A Budget. You Need A Budget. Retrieved 26 August 2020.
- ^'YNAB: The Book'. You Need A Budget. You Need A Budget. Retrieved 26 August 2020.
- ^'The New YNAB is Here'. You Need A Budget website. You Need A Budget. Retrieved 2 January 2016.
- ^'You Need A Budget for Mac'. Macworld. IDG Consumer & SMB. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
- ^Compton, Shannah L. (2014-12-10). '4 Must Have Money Saving Apps for 2015'. Huffington Post. Retrieved 2018-02-23.
- ^'YNAB for iPad is here'.