20 Money Questions to Ask Yourself After a Big Life Change

This post is part of YNAB’s 20th Anniversary series. Cheers to 20 Years!

When I taught YNAB workshops, I often said, “When you look at your spending plan, you should see your life reflected back at you.” After all, this is your money—it should align with your priorities, goals, and dreams.

But then, life happens. And sometimes, it’s big life—like having a baby, moving across the country, or going through a loss or divorce. Suddenly, your spending plan feels like that friend who hasn’t quite caught up to your latest news. It can be disorienting, like looking into your budget and wondering, “Wait… whose life is this?”

Here are some of the common life changes we see that can shake up your YNAB spending plan:

• Moving
• Having a baby
• Having another baby
• Adopting a pet
• Experiencing a loss
• Becoming an empty nester
• Retiring
• Buying a home
• Changing jobs
• Getting married
• Getting divorced
• Elder care 
• Graduating college

But here's the thing: the YNAB Method is designed to change with you. Your plan should shift and grow right alongside your life, whether you’re adding a new category for dog food or making room for a little extra self-care spending after a breakup. 

Whatever the change, we’re here to help guide you through realigning your plan to reflect your new reality—and maybe even inspire a few possibilities for your future. Your spending plan doesn’t have to be the hard part.

Here are 20 questions and YNAB resources to help you feel back in sync:

1. Do I need a fresh start or a brand-new spending plan?

Sometimes life changes are so big that it feels like you need a fresh start. That’s okay! Starting with a clean slate in YNAB can give you space to focus on the new priorities ahead without the weight of past categories and goals. The old budget will still be there if you need to look back, but a fresh start could free your mind for new possibilities.

2. Do I need to clean up my payees?

Payees can hold memories. Maybe you’ve moved and that favorite local pizza spot now feels bittersweet because it’s too far away. Cleaning up old payees gives you that closet clean-out feeling, reflecting the changes in your life and leaving room for new experiences.

3. What changes to my plan would bring me peace of mind?

Life changes often come with a heightened sense of responsibility or worry. What’s weighing on your mind? Identifying what could disrupt your peace—whether it’s an emergency fund or a buffer for unexpected bills—helps you prioritize and protect the things that keep you calm.

4. Am I leaving room in my spending plan for the things that bring me joy?

Even during tough times, it’s important to reserve some dollars for things that bring you happiness, however small. Whether it’s a cooking hobby, a round of golf, or a streaming subscription, make sure joy still has a place in your life and your plan.

5. Are my scheduled transactions still necessary and accurate?

Scheduled transactions are great for automating certain parts of your spending plan, but they can fall out of sync when life shifts. Go through them, and make sure they still reflect your current bills and spending patterns. Outdated transactions can clutter up your plan.

6. Should any categories be renamed?

The names you give your categories can change how you feel about them. If “Emergency Fund” feels heavy, maybe calling it “Peace of Mind” feels better. Or if 'Home Maintenance' feels like a chore, try 'Fortress of Solitude.' Rewriting category names can make your plan feel more aligned with your current life and values.

While you’re making your plan more uniquely you, here’s 20 fun ways to rename your budget.

7. Do I still need every category?

Some categories become irrelevant after a big change. Maybe your old home had a water bill, but your new one doesn’t. Or perhaps you’re done with daycare payments now that your kids are in school. Don’t be afraid to let go of categories that no longer fit your life. 

8. Do I need to add any new categories?

Big changes usually mean new spending needs. From adding a category for baby supplies to setting up funds for Fido’s vet bills, be sure your categories match your current responsibilities.

Explore our templates gallery for inspiration, pre-set amounts, or ideas if you’re unsure what to add.

9. Am I surrounding myself with people who get it?

Big life changes can feel isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Surround yourself with people who understand—fellow YNABers who’ve been there and get it. One way to connect? Attend a YNAB Fan Fest in 2025! It’s an amazing opportunity to swap stories, gain new insights, and surround yourself with a community that shares your fiery passion for the Four Rules. Plus, sometimes a little inspiration from others is just the thing you need to reignite your motivation and refresh your plan.

10. Is there anything I’ve put off that’s a higher priority now?

Life changes can offer a chance to finally focus on things you’ve been putting off—whether it’s a long-awaited trip, pursuing a new hobby, maxing out your RothIRA, or tackling those student loans once and for all. Take this opportunity to move dreams up (or down!) your list.

11. Should I be managing my finances with someone else using YNAB Together?

Big life changes often mean merging finances with a partner or stepping in to help manage a loved one’s money. YNAB Together makes it easier to collaborate, whether you’re navigating finances as newlyweds or helping a parent stay on top of their spending. You can both track expenses, set goals, and feel confident that you’re on the same page. Teamwork makes the dream work.

12. Does my category structure still make sense?

Sometimes simply rearranging your categories or grouping them differently can make your plan feel more aligned. Try playing with Focused Views in YNAB to bring different priorities into focus at different times—it can breathe new life into how you manage your money.

13. Are there any categories I could combine?

If your expenses are stable—like utilities or regular subscriptions—you might simplify by combining them into one category. Less clutter, more clarity! And while you’re at it, don’t forget to check for hidden money. It’s easy to overlook funds tucked away in hidden categories, so review them to see if there are any dollars that could be reassigned to something more important right now.

14. Do I need to update any targets?

If your costs have changed—like moving to a new home with different bills or adopting a pet who eats more organic food than you do—make sure to adjust your targets accordingly. That way, you’re planning for reality, not just the best-case scenario.

15. Have you closed any bank accounts or credit cards?

As you’re making life transitions, it’s easy to forget those little details. If you’ve closed an account, make sure to close it in YNAB too. It’ll help you stay organized and give you a clearer picture of your financial reality.

16. Have you opened any new bank accounts or credit cards?

New accounts mean new categories and targets. Whether you’ve opened a savings account for your newborn or a new credit card to earn miles for future travel, updating your account structure in YNAB helps keep everything aligned.

17. Are there any categories I’ve had to move money into on a regular basis?

If you keep shifting money into a certain category, it might be time to give that expense more room in your spending plan. Life doesn’t always fit into neat boxes, and your plan should reflect how things actually are—not just how you wish they’d be. 

18. How am I taking care of myself?

Your well-earned dollars should support your well-being, especially in times of transition. Whether it’s prioritizing therapy, treating yourself to a small indulgence, or just making sure you have enough for a night out with friends, ensure your spending plan includes room for self-care.

19. Have I used the Reflect tab to review my spending trends?

The Reflect tab is a powerful way to see where your money is actually going. It offers insight into your spending trends over time, helping you understand if your dollars are truly aligning with your current priorities. Take a moment to look back at the past few months—does your spending reflect where you want to go? If not, this is your chance to adjust and reallocate with intention.

20. Do I need a Wish Farm in my budget?

The answer is always yes! A YNAB Wish Farm helps you nurture those dreams and aspirations, big or small. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of life changes, you’re still growing, dreaming, and creating your future.

Remember, whatever big change has brought you here, your spending plan is meant to evolve with you. You’ve got the tools and support to adjust your plan as life shifts—and that’s a powerful thing.

YNAB’s templates can make transitions smoother and less stressful, helping you realign your spending plan with your new reality. Our gallery is filled with life's big changes, just waiting to be customized to fit your unique path.