7 Beginner Tips to Increase Your YNAB Momentum! Some models look exactly the same in person and in print. Fábio is one of them.
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I know this because I met Fabio – yes, the real Fábio—years ago at my local health food store.
I had recently committed to eating more vegetables and came up with the perfect plan to make it happen: I would stop for something organic on the way home from work, twice a week.
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As I waltzed around to select my sweet potatoes, there he was, hair flowing (even though it wasn't windy) and walking to talk to… my? Because I?
The moment Fabio approached, not only did the words stop coming out of my mouth, I realized that my cart was filled with a trifecta of things that couldn't be eaten: Panda Puff cereal (purchased from the list), a single radish, and toilet paper.
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How could I return to Fábio's domain after that meeting? In my opinion, I could never go back to said health food store and there was no other reliable source of organic vegetables nearby.
Knowing that he bought in my store completely threw me out of my routine for a good three weeks… until I found a nearby market that was open twice a week. Take this Fábio.
Now, when I think about that encounter, I don't find it so strange. And that's because YNAB taught me a very important truth.
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However, you may have the best intentions to create a lasting spending plan.
You may be involved in some professional-level habit accumulation.
In fact, you may be following the YNAB Four Habits consistently. But sometimes, Fábio happens and his new financial mindset is put to the test.
When you find your financial confidence has been shaken, your routine has been disrupted, or your credit card has been stolen more than you expected this year, these YNAB momentum-boosting tips will help you lean in instead of halting your journey to create a financial future you are excited about. .
Top Tips for Boosting Momentum from Experienced YNABers
We asked experienced YNABers to share their best tips for beginners, and they didn't disappoint!
Honestly, these words of wisdom are relevant whether you started using YNAB 20 years ago or 2 minutes ago.
Review these momentum-boosting tips regularly, and along the way, give yourself a little grace.
Soon, you'll reach your goals effortlessly and live in a new financial reality – one that you created.
1 – Be patient with yourself
Plan surprises. Yes, that's what we do here and it's one of the biggest reasons why the YNAB Method is a game changer. Habit #2 (Accept Your True Expenses) basically says, “Expect the unexpected!” in your spending plan.
Anticipate costs that are not a question of if, but when: the inevitable visit to the vet, car maintenance, Christmas presents or medical exams. When you break down future expenses into manageable monthly expenses, there's no such thing as an unexpected bill.
Amber, from the social team at YNAB, calls True Expenses “Your Patterson”, which is an even cuter version of “Your Fabio”.
2 – Adjust as you go
The beauty of YNAB is that you can create custom categories that match your current priorities.
Over time, priorities change. Spending categories can also change – easily! Just a few clicks to adjust your plan spending as the scenario of your life changes, new hobbies emerge, children arrive, Fábio invites you to Italy (just kidding) or retirement happens.
The YNAB app makes it easy to rename categories, create new category groups, or add loved ones to your plan.
3 – Reframe financial arguments as goal agreements
If you have a partner, YNAB can guide you to talk about the things that matter most. Instead of diving into stressful discussions about spending, focus on your goals together.
YNAB acts as a neutral arbiter, turning financial discussions into collaborative conversations. It helps you both align your finances with your shared vision for the future, without placing blame or shame.
Next time you're tempted to argue about dollars and cents, shift the conversation to your dreams and goals.
You might start to love talking about money so much that it becomes a weekly YNAB date night.
4 – Seek consistency, not perfection
The beauty of YNAB is that it doesn't require a specific space in your daily routine. You don't necessarily need to intertwine it with your coffee sips, exercise, or bedtime rituals.
Changing your relationship with money is not about finding time, but about gaining time. Whether you check out YNAB in the parking lot or during your lunch break, there is no “wrong way” to review your plan before making spending decisions. 7 Beginner Tips to Increase Your YNAB Momentum!
Consistency trumps perfection when it comes to being more intentional about your financial life.
5 – Make your spending plan a reflection of you
“Live on rice and beans”, say some finance apps. “Don’t dine out,” they will tell you. “Stop doing poor people things!” they mock.
The deprivation approach to finances is impossible to maintain, and the world of cruel personal financial advice can be demotivating.
Maintaining momentum in any new venture depends on it being realistic – and dare we say, joyful.
The YNAB Method says: Dine out as much as you want, if that's what you like! The four flexible habits allow you to embrace your priorities with open arms and fund the things that light you up.
It's all about tradeoffs: If dining out is important to you, let your money do the Steak Frites' work.
Allocate less of your salary to things that are less important to you. Being more intentional about your money isn't about deprivation or prison; it's about empowering you to live your best life within your means.
6 – Roll with the punches
Don't let excessive spending be your Fábio! Whether it's a splurge or an unexpected expense, surprises don't have to derail your progress.
With Habit #3 (Roll With the Punches), you have the power to adapt your spending plan as life throws curveballs.
There is no need to panic; simply reallocate funds from a lower priority category to cover higher priority expenses.
It's the YNAB secret: your spending plan should leave room for life happening!
7 – Face your Fábio
The truth is, I never would have given up on my organic vegetable game if I stuck to my guns and confidently returned to my local health food store.
Thinking about it, it wasn't Fábio, but my own embarrassment caused by the toilet paper that made me trip.
We all have our own “Fabio” – that person, temptation or time constraint that threatens our financial aspirations. I challenge you to confidently face everything that is getting in the way of achieving your financial goals.
On your journey to forming a new relationship with money, YNAB is your financial GPS, giving you a clear picture of where you stand.
It's your personal financial coach, helping you prioritize what really matters. It's your stress buster, keeping financial worries at bay.
But lasting motivation comes from within you, when you realize that money is not an unpredictable evil beyond your control.
Money is an extension of your time, energy and hard work. You decide what to do with it.
However, this shift in mindset is your ticket to loving the way you spend – and where the real magic happens. 7 Beginner Tips to Increase Your YNAB Momentum!
