YNAB

YNAB, short for You Need A Budget, is a financial planning software company founded in 2004 by Jesse Mecham, a newlywed accounting student who created a simple spreadsheet to manage his family's tight budget. What began as a personal solution quickly evolved into a full-fledged budgeting philosophy and software platform that has helped millions worldwide take control of their finances.

Headquartered in Utah, USA, YNAB operates fully remotely with a global team. The platform is built around four core rules designed to shift users’ mindsets about money — from giving every pound a job to preparing for irregular expenses and embracing flexibility. YNAB is especially known for its zero-based budgeting method, where every unit of income is assigned a specific purpose, ensuring users spend intentionally and save consistently.

Over the years, YNAB has transitioned from a downloadable spreadsheet to a robust cloud-based app with companion mobile apps for iOS and Android. It has developed a loyal community through free workshops, educational content, and its commitment to privacy — it doesn’t track user data or show ads.

YNAB continues to stand out for its user-centric approach, simplicity, and results-driven methodology, helping people break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle and build long-term financial resilience.