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Erin Lowell

Lead Educator at YNAB

Erin is a former choir teacher turned budgeting teacher, who manages the small but mighty team of educators at YNAB. She is always looking for ways to get people excited about budgeting, because budgeting actually is really exciting. 

Erin started working at YNAB after using it to pay off the credit card debt she racked up during a long and unnerving period of home renovations on her old farmhouse. Over the course of her time at YNAB she’s taught over 100,000 people how to budget (which is roughly the size of the entire population of Green Bay, Wisconsin). She lives in Maine with a small collection of cats and a dog named Charlie. When the weather cooperates, she hikes the Appalachian Trail, and hopes to complete the entire trail someday. In the winter when the weather isn't so nice for hiking, she quilts for charity. 

Erin’s favorite rule is Rule Three: Roll With the Punches, because she loves changing her mind.

All articles by

Erin

Why Doesn't My Account Balance Match My Budget?

Frustrated that your accounts don't match in YNAB? We'll explain how to get up-to-date info once and for all.

Why Your Budget Doesn’t Work

You've tried this whole budgeting thing but it just doesn't work. Here's why your budget doesn't work (and how to make it so it does).

Why It’s OK to Blow Your Grocery Budget Sometimes

I'm single and I spend $300 a month my grocery budget. This month I spent a lot more than that but I don't really care. Why not? Because I budget.

Minimizing the Stress of a Big Move

Life changes and, with it, priorities. Right now my priority is getting over this move. Here's how I reduced the financial stress of moving.

Top 10 Tips to Start Your First Budget

It can feel overwhelming when you first sit down to budget.  Keep these handy tips in mind to keep you from going too crazy.

The No-Regrets Way to Spend Your Tax Refund

We asked YNABers—the pros at giving every dollar a job—how they plan to spend their tax refund money this year. Here's what they said ...

How Much Money Should You Keep in Checking?

Finally, an answer to the age-old question, "How much money should I keep in my checking account?" The answer is simpler than you think!

Are Your Budget Categories Earning Their Keep?

There are two considerations that will help you decipher the precise number of categories that you need: simplicity and awareness.

How to Feel 100% Happy About Your New Car

The night before my purchase, I had a good, long think about what I really wanted in a vehicle. Here’s what I came up with.

3 Steps to Save Money Faster

Want to save money faster? Here’s a little game that can help you save $30 to $100 more per month – without affecting your quality of life.

Do I Need an Emergency Fund?

Wondering whether or not to add an ‘Emergency Fund’ category to your budget? Here are a few questions to help you figure it out.

Two Totally Legit Ways to Handle Cash

Let’s look at two completely viable options for handling cash in YNAB. Which is better? Well, that’s up to you!