# You Need A Budget > [!ai]+ Perplexity > > You Need A Budget (YNAB) is a budgeting tool designed to help users manage their finances more effectively. It operates on a unique method that encourages users to budget only the money they currently have, rather than anticipated income. This approach helps users prioritize their expenses and make informed decisions about their financial priorities[1]. > > YNAB uses a zero-based budgeting method, which means every dollar you earn is assigned to a specific category you create in the app. This way, you're setting aside money for specific expenses before you need to spend it, and you're only spending money you've already earned[3]. > > The YNAB system is built around four rules designed to change your financial future[7]: > 1. **Give Every Dollar a Job**: Every time you get paid, you decide what each dollar needs to do before your next paycheck. > 2. **Embrace Your True Expenses**: Anticipate large, non-monthly expenses and break them down into smaller, manageable chunks of monthly saving. > 3. **Roll With The Punches**: If you overspend in one category, adjust your budget by moving money from another category. > 4. **Age Your Money**: Aim to spend money that you earned at least a month ago, not the money you just received. > > YNAB allows you to securely link your financial accounts and import transactions automatically. It also provides real-time sync across all your devices, enabling you to manage your money together with partners, families, or other groups of up to six people[2]. The app also offers features like goal tracking, loan calculators, spending and net worth reports, and more[2]. > > YNAB is available on various platforms including iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Android, and Alexa[6]. It also integrates with other apps, allowing you to automate your work and save time[8]. > > However, it's important to note that there's a learning curve with YNAB, and it may take some time to get comfortable with its approach[3]. YNAB costs $14.99 a month or $99 for an annual subscription ($8.25 a month), plus taxes where applicable[3]. > > Citations: > [1] https://smartmoneymamas.com/ynab-beginners-guide/ > [2] https://www.ynab.com/features > [3] https://www.cnbc.com/select/reasons-why-i-love-ynab-app/ > [4] https://www.make.com/en/integrations/ynab > [5] https://www.ynab.com/guide/the-ultimate-get-started-guide > [6] https://www.forbes.com/advisor/banking/ynab-budgeting-app-review/ > [7] https://www.ynab.com/the-four-rules > [8] https://zapier.com/apps/you-need-a-budget/integrations > [9] https://youtube.com/watch?v=exS0gU-Ie8E > [10] https://moneywise.com/managing-money/budgeting/ynab > [11] https://www.springfinancial.ca/blog/save-and-invest/beginners-guide-to-budgeting-with-ynab > [12] https://support.ynab.com/en_us/linking-an-account-in-ynab-a-guide-ryZQQFMJo > [13] https://youtube.com/watch?v=gyFqX9qDqFU > [14] https://www.reddit.com/r/ynab/comments/zi5l2j/what_features_do_you_wish_ynab_had/?rdt=46646 > [15] https://youtube.com/watch?v=cpcampGi3Rc > [16] https://syncforynab.com > [17] https://youtube.com/watch?v=5seBkIamZmM > [18] https://www.fool.com/the-ascent/personal-finance/you-need-a-budget-review/ > [19] https://youtube.com/watch?v=5BlClJCbnz4 > [20] https://api.ynab.com > [21] https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/ynab > [22] https://www.tylersmith.io/articles/ynab-rule-1 > [23] https://www.reddit.com/r/ynab/comments/105epr2/any_cool_ynab_api_creations/?rdt=47329 > [24] https://youtube.com/watch?v=Pn8bBJRTIek > [25] https://www.investopedia.com/ynab-vs-mint-5179966 > ## API - [YNAB API Endpoints - v1](https://api.ynab.com/v1) ## Links - [GitHub - buzzlawless/live-import-for-ynab: Automatically import transactions to YNAB in real-time!](https://github.com/buzzlawless/live-import-for-ynab)