This real YNABer story would probably make a personal finance guru’s head explode—and we absolutely love that. Because when you stop chasing someone else’s rules and start spending in alignment with your values, everything changes.
People who plan their spending with YNAB make decisions no one else could make, because they have the tools and the skills they need to see far ahead into the future. They can live boldly and take risks, all because they know they’re going to be okay.
But when I read the first sentence of Andrew Parks’ story—shared with us through the YNAB Stories survey—even I (known seeker of the bold) was a little surprised:
My wife and I both recently quit our jobs with confidence, knowing we’ll be OK for several months—and we got a dog at the same time!
Yeah, you heard that right. These two quit both of their jobs. At once. For most of us that would be absolutely terrifying. Maybe even irresponsible? But for Andrew and his partner, it was all part of the plan.
Oh! And to top it off, they added a puppy to the mix at the same time! And yet, they weren’t worried. Not even a little. Because YNAB showed them they’d be fine. Woof woof.
People around them raised eyebrows. Some worried they were being reckless.
People look at us and think we’re crazy or foolish, but in reality, we are confident because of YNAB.
But as Andrew told us, they had clarity. They knew exactly what their money needed to do, and that gave them the confidence to make some of the most meaningful decisions of their life—together.
But let’s back up a bit. Andrew shared some more about how he found YNAB in the first place.
How they started figuring out money as a newly married couple
Andrew’s story with YNAB started back in 2017, when he and his wife were newly married and didn’t have much to their names. Andrew grew up loving personal finance and had used all kinds of free tools over the years. But eventually, those tools just weren’t cutting it anymore.
I’m very frugal and never wanted to pay for a budgeting software, but the free options just weren’t cutting it anymore.
Even though he knew his way around zero-based planning, the transition to YNAB wasn’t instant. But he stuck with giving every dollar a job, got some helpful advice from the YNAB support team, and watched and read every piece of YNAB educational content he could. In time, the clouds parted.
The clarity YNAB brought to our limited finances provided so much confidence in our spending that we never had before.
And once he saw what was possible, he couldn’t help sharing it—with his brother in college, his sister, his parents, and eventually his entire immediate family. Once Andrew got it, he really got it!
How they learned to work together with two totally different money styles
Like a lot of couples, the two of them came in with different money personalities. Andrew loves details. His wife? Not so much.
When we met, I helped her unsubscribe from one of her duplicate Spotify subscriptions she didn’t realize she was paying for.
But YNAB helped them find their rhythm. Andrew manages most of the plan, but his wife loves the clear boundaries YNAB offers.
…she loves being able to ask, “How much do we have set aside for X?” It helps her a ton to know what’s in her jewelry business or to see our progress towards shared goals we have.
I see arrangements like this between YNAB couples all the time. It’s super common for one person to nerd out on the day‑to‑day YNAB stuff while the other shows up for the conversations that keep their spending lined up with what matters to both of them.
She probably wouldn’t want to take it over, but she does appreciate the stability YNAB provides—especially during this season where we recently quit our jobs.
It works perfectly for them. They don’t need identical money styles, just shared understanding.
Shared understanding is the beauty of YNAB Together. Add up to five loved ones to your subscription at no added cost and watch your money stars align.
The big life leaps they took (including a very good pup)
Since 2017, these two have lived a lot of life: multiple job changes, a season where they sold everything and planned to move to Spain, launching side businesses, and buying their first home. And then came this latest chapter.
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When his wife stepped away from work to care for her mom, Andrew decided it was time to change careers. And in the middle of it all, they brought home a puppy.
Our spending plan tells us that we have enough to ‘pay ourselves’ from savings for 3 months and we won’t run out of cash for as much as 9 months. This week alone, we had $2k worth of unexpected home and car repairs, but we were prepared.
They’re in the midst of their biggest life transitions since they got together. Most people would be in panic mode.
But their reaction? Calm. Ease. Peace of mind. They know they’re prepared.
They know they’re going to be okay. Because they can see it in plain numbers and trust in the skills they’ve built over the years. With YNAB’s help, they’ve simply gotten good with money!
This is the height of spendfulness. And none of it would have been possible without YNAB.
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The life they’ve built and where they’re going next
Along the way, Andrew and his wife have gotten really good at making intentional tradeoffs, which is a major piece of the getting good with money puzzle. Travel is important to them, so when a trip comes up, they scale back on going out or home projects. They put their dollars toward what they value most—including fresh, organic food and raw dairy from a local farm.
Eating whole, unprocessed foods is a major component of healing our bodies.
It may be more expensive, but it matters to them. So they fund it! And they’ve found a rhythm that brings real peace.
I literally do not know how to function in my finances without YNAB anymore. How could one possibly make any sort of spendful decisions without it?
His favorite revelation might be this one:
People often tell me that ‘budgeting’ is only needed for those living paycheck to paycheck. Instead, YNAB allows me to spend on purpose, in advance, on the things I care about. It has nothing to do with how much or how little is in our bank account. And that provides so much peace.
Their future goal? Financial independence—reaching the point where they don’t have to trade their time for money. And with the clarity they’ve built together, that future doesn’t feel far away.
Raise your hand if you and your partner have different spending styles! (All hands fly up.) Take our free spending personality quiz and get on the same page about money.
Andrew stopped worrying about money not because his life is simple, but because he finally understands what his money is for—and that understanding has given him and his partner the confidence to live boldly, spend purposefully, and take care of what matters most.
Do you ever worry about money? You’re not alone. Download YNAB, get good with money, and never worry about money again. Try YNAB for free for 34 days.
FAQs
What is YNAB?
YNAB is an app that helps you get good with money so you never have to worry about money again. It helps you give every dollar a job, plan for future expenses, and break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle. The average YNAB user saves $600 in their first month and $6,000 in their first year.
How do I get started with YNAB?
The easiest way is to jump into the free 34-day trial. Set up your first categories, start assigning dollars, and you’ll immediately feel more clarity and control. Need guidance? The Ultimate Get Started Guide walks you through every step.
What does the YNAB free trial include?
You’ll get full access to the app for 34 days—no credit card required. That includes the web app, mobile apps, bank syncing, and every feature. You’ll also get access to free live workshops, help docs, and a friendly support team if you need a hand.
Do I need to be good with money to use YNAB?
Not at all. Most people start YNAB because they don’t feel good with money. YNAB isn’t about being perfect, it’s about building small habits that help you feel more confident and in control. And yes, you can totally learn it.
Can I use YNAB with a partner or family member?
Yes! YNAB works great for couples and families. With YNAB Together, you can invite up to five loved ones with a single subscription, at no extra cost—so everyone stays aligned on financial decisions. With a separate login, they can build their own plans or collaborate on a shared plan with you.
Disclaimer: This story is auto-aggregated by a computer program and has not been created or edited by budgetbuddy.
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