The People Have Spoken: "Is YNAB Worth It?"

There’s a pretty good chance you’ve read rave reviews about YNAB. Perhaps you have a friend who brings it up every time money is mentioned. Maybe you’ve discovered our subreddit, which has roughly as many members as the entire population of Salt Lake City—and we don’t even run it! Or you may have heard that more than 14 users got personalized YNAB license plates for their cars and one couple included us in their wedding vows—and, no, we didn’t ask anyone to do any of that! So, it makes sense if you’ve found yourself wondering what all of the fuss is about and asking, “Is YNAB worth it?” 

We get it. We know all too well that most financial apps don’t come with a cult-like following, but as Adrienne So, a senior commerce editor for WIRED, so perfectly put it: “YNAB isn’t just a tool for money management. It’s a tool for self-actualization. Who do you want to be, and how can the money you earn help you get there?”‍

YNAB costs $109 USD per year, or approximately 30 cents a day. “But why would I pay money when I’m trying to save money?” might be what you ask next. And I’m so glad, because it brings us right back to your question about why our users are so, well, weird about us (in such a cool way!) 

It’s true that our software makes it easier to manage your finances, but the most significant, soul-sparking selling point is how the YNAB Method changes the way you think about money, and how changing the way you think about money changes your whole life. 

It’s a really big deal (thus the license plates and wedding vows.) 

So, anyway, we know you might still have some questions about why YNAB is worth it and that’s why we surveyed thousands of YNAB users to help you find some answers. Real numbers might be just what you need to solve this mystery for yourself once and for all. 

So let’s dive into what nearly 9,000 YNABers have to say.

Spending with confidence (and without guilt)

But we’re not just talking about saving money for its own sake. We save so we can spend that money on the things that really matter to us. One of YNAB’s core principles is spendfulness—creating alignment between how you spend money and the life you want to live. 

Instead of second-guessing every purchase, YNABers spend with confidence and clarity:

• 78% of users say they can spend without feeling guilty.
• 89% of users say their spending aligns with their values and priorities.
• 1 in 4 YNABers have paid for a car in cash since using YNAB.
• 1 in 4 users have become first-time homeowners.
• 90% check YNAB before making a spending decision—rather than their bank account.

These results prove that YNAB doesn’t just help you spend less—it helps you spend well. It helps you spend in a way that actually improves your life by adding intention and awareness so you can ditch guilt, stress, and second-guessing. 

Debt payoff that’s actually sustainable

If getting out of debt is one of your goals, YNAB has been a game-changer for thousands:

• 74% of YNAB users have paid off debt.
• Among those who have, the average amount paid off is $27,744.
• The most common types of debt paid off? Credit cards (56%), auto loans (45%), and student loans (38%).

With YNAB, debt payoff isn’t just a dream—it’s a reality that thousands have achieved by giving their dollars a job and prioritizing what matters most. Maybe you’ve tried paying off debt in the past but it just didn’t stick. YNAB will help you pay off debt sustainably while permanently breaking your reliance on debt. Plus, you’ll be more motivated to go after this goal than ever, because you’ll know the freed-up cashflow will go toward things that actually matter to you.

More peace, more optimism, more freedom

I’ve shared some numbers with you on how much money YNABers have saved and how much debt they’ve paid off using this life-changing method and app. But I want you to know that YNAB is about so much more than saving money. It’s about becoming more of the person you want to be, spending more on the things you love, and silencing, once and for all, the constant, pernicious uncertainty that makes you second-guess every purchase.

You’re second-guessing whether to spend money on YNAB right now, but if you give it a try, you’ll find this is the last purchase you ever have to second-guess again. The numbers are staggering:

• 92% of users feel less stress since using YNAB.
• 92% say their finances are in a better place.
• 91% say YNAB has changed the way they think about money for the better.
• 99% of YNAB users pay their bills on time (that’s practically all of them), with 69% paying bills on auto-pay.
• 89% feel more comfortable talking about money.
• YNABers are five times more optimistic about their financial future than before they used YNAB.

Even better? The benefits go beyond just numbers—users report better sleep, reduced relationship conflict, and a clearer sense of control over their financial future. You can’t afford not to try it!

So, is YNAB worth it?

Yes, of course it’s worth it! YNAB users save thousands, pay off debt, achieve life goals, and gain a sense of financial peace that’s hard to put a price on. Learning YNAB may take a little effort—but the results show that those who stick with it experience a complete shift in not only how they plan their spending, but also how they live their lives. 

It’s hard to put a price on inner peace, but 30 cents a day seems like a great deal. 

Still wondering if YNAB is for you? Try it for free for 34 days and see for yourself. If the data is any indication, you won’t regret it.