Ben Barlowe
Education Content Writer at YNAB

Ben Barlowe is a personal finance educator, public voice, and writer for YNAB. Ben is one-half of the dynamic duo behind Budget Nerds, a bi-weekly podcast he hosts with fellow YNAB educator Ernie Reppe. Ben also regularly hosts live chats on YNAB’s instagram page and presents YNAB’s habit-building method wherever he can! You’ll also find Ben fluttering around all the many active YNAB communities across the internet.
Ben started using YNAB in 2013 and joined the team in 2016 as a workshop teacher. Since then, he has become a jack-of-all-trades, doing a little bit of everything for the YNAB team, always with a focus on education. Ben lives in Lynchburg, Virginia with his wife, four kids, and giant great dane puppy. When not teaching people about YNAB, Ben loves playing poker, D&D, and board games with his friends. He also loves hiking, swimming, and trying not to break his arm on his Onewheel.
Featured Articles

There’s No Such Thing as Saving Money
The number one rule of personal finance: you have to save money. Why? What if I told you there is no such thing as saving money?

How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love My Unexpected Expenses
How some preparation and a small change in your mindset can help you love how you spend your money, even for unexpected emergencies.

How We Paid Off Our Mortgage in 6 Years (and Why!)
Gather around for a story about how Ben paid off his mortgage in six years and how he plans on using that freed-up cash flow to help others.
All articles by
Ben
YNAB Revelations: The Power of Intentional Trade-offs
Use YNAB to intentionally weight the trade-offs of every spending decision to build the life you want.
How YNAB Is Like a Smart Gift Card
YNAB gives your money all the benefits of gift cards, with none of the drawbacks.
Can YNAB Keep Your House Clean?
Learn how to use YNAB as a reward system and light up your Fun Money category.
How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love My Unexpected Expenses
How some preparation and a small change in your mindset can help you love how you spend your money, even for unexpected emergencies.
There’s No Such Thing as Saving Money
The number one rule of personal finance: you have to save money. Why? What if I told you there is no such thing as saving money?
Need Ideas for Budget-Friendly Fun?
As an adult, it can be hard to maintain a social life when you’re trying to spend less. Check out these ideas for budget-friendly fun.
3 Common Money Mistakes
Lying to your budget is an easy money mistake to make. Improve your finances and your stress level with honesty about your spending.
7 Budgeting Challenges in the First Three Months
If you're just starting out, you're no stranger to budgeting challenges. Check out these tips to help you stick to a budget and save more!
Why is Budgeting Important?
Why is budgeting important? Budgeting isn't as boring as it sounds; in fact, it can allow you to take risks that pay off for a lifetime.
How We Paid Off Our Mortgage in 6 Years (and Why!)
Gather around for a story about how Ben paid off his mortgage in six years and how he plans on using that freed-up cash flow to help others.
Which Comes First: Emergency Fund or Pay Off Debt?
Wondering if you should build your emergency fund or pay off debt first? Learn the best method for prioritizing competing financial goals.
Do I Need a Savings Account?
You may be wondering, "Do I need a savings account?" Well, we've got the answer and the budget-based reasoning to back up our theory.