YNAB (You Need a Budget)

What Is YNAB?

YNAB (You Need a Budget) is a comprehensive budgeting app built around the zero-based budgeting philosophy — every dollar gets a job. While it’s primarily a budgeting tool, it includes robust debt payoff tracking and goal-setting features.

The app syncs with your bank accounts automatically, categorizes spending, and helps you build a budget that includes debt payments as a priority. It’s available on iOS, Android, and web, so you can manage your finances from anywhere.

Who Is YNAB Best For?

People who need a full budget overhaul. If your debt problem is connected to a spending problem (which is common and nothing to be ashamed of), YNAB addresses both. The budgeting methodology helps you find money for extra debt payments by giving every dollar a purpose.

Committed learners. YNAB has a learning curve, but the payoff is significant. The company offers free workshops, an active community, and extensive educational content that helps you build lasting financial habits.

Multi-platform users. If you want to check your budget on your phone, enter transactions on your laptop, and review reports on your tablet, YNAB works seamlessly across all devices.

Pricing

YNAB costs $109/year (about $14.99/month if billed monthly) with a 34-day free trial. There’s no free tier. This makes it one of the more expensive options, but users frequently report that the budgeting methodology helps them find far more than $109/year in savings.

Our Take

YNAB is excellent — but it’s not a debt payoff app. It’s a budgeting app that happens to include debt tracking. If you want dedicated debt payoff features like strategy comparisons, payoff schedule optimization, or partner-specific debt sync, a focused debt app will serve you better.

But if your goal is to get your entire financial life in order — budget, debt, savings, and spending habits — YNAB is one of the best tools available. The upfront investment in learning the system pays dividends long after your debt is gone.