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YNAB (You Need a Budget) Cheat Sheet by

New to YNAB? This beginner-friendly cheat sheet is your quick-start guide to budgeting success! Get instant clarity on YNAB's core concepts, from the Four Rules to setting up your first budget. Skip the overwhelm with this handy reference that breaks down targets, categories, and common mistakes to avoid. Everything you need to know about YNAB basics - all on one page. Your roadmap to financial confidence starts here!

The Four Rules

Give Every Dollar A job
Every dollar needs a purpose Don't leave money unassigned
Embrace True Expenses
Plan for irregular expenses Break large expenses into monthly amounts Set target dates for future expenses
Roll with the Punches
Move money between categories No guilt in reallo­cating
Age of Your Money
Work toward 30-day buffer Break payche­ck-­to-­pay­check cycle
See YNAB's Ultimate Get Started Guide (https­://­www.yn­ab.c­om­/gu­ide­/th­e-u­lti­mat­e-g­et-­sta­rte­d-g­uide)

Targets

Weekly, Monthly, Yearly & Custom

Set aside another...:
Adds fresh money regardless of rollover amount
Refill up to...:
Assigns enough to fill the category up to the target amount

Set aside...: Save specific amount by date
Example: $300 every 6 months car insurance
Have a balance of...: Build to amount
Example: $10,000 for house down payment
See YNAB Getting Started with Targets (https­://­sup­por­t.y­nab.co­m/e­n_u­s/g­ett­ing­-st­art­ed-­wit­h-t­arg­ets­-ry­AEP­08xC)

Credit Cards

To understand how to work with Credit Cards best to read/watch their help docume­nta­tion. See Handling Credit Cards in YNAB: An Overview.
 

Budget Setup

Create Category Groups
Fixed Monthly Expenses
True Expenses (irreg­ular)
Quality of Life Goals
Emergency Fund

Set Up Targets
Add due dates
Include target amounts
Choose approp­riate target type

Daily Management
Enter Transa­ction immedi­ately
Reconcile accounts weekly
Use scheduled transa­ctions

Pro Tips
Use emojis for categories
Add notes to transa­ctions
Get age of money to 30 days
Additional Notes:
Dates matter for targeting, Categories can be hidden, Link accounts for auto-i­mport, Mobile app for real-time tracking

Budget Templa­tes

Set up recurring expenses
Define Target amounts
Add due dates
Category Templates  
Feel stuck trying to figure out where to start? Try one of YNAB's templates.  
(https­://­sup­por­t.y­nab.co­m/c­ate­gor­y-t­emp­lat­es-­Hkn­jS_RA)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Budgeting money you don't have
Ignoring credit oversp­ending
Skipping reconc­ili­ation
Not updating targets
 

Category Groups

Category Colors

Color Meaning

Green
Fully funded category - Met target goal - Ready for spending
Yellow
Underf­unded category - Needs more money - Target not met
Red
Overspent category - negative balance - Needs immediate attention
Gray
No target set - No spending activity - Optional funding
See YNAB Colors and Icons docume­ntation  ­(ht­tps­://­sup­por­t.y­nab.co­m/e­n_u­s/c­olo­rs-­and­-ic­ons­-in­-yo­ur-­bud­get­-an­-ov­erv­iew­-HJ­Qv_­XHko)
               
 

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  • Published: 11th November, 2024

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