That’s You in the Spotlight

You’re a YNABer, which means you’re all about intentional spending. You’ve got goals and the confidence to make your money work for you.

But even with a solid spendfulness plan, it helps to have a clear view of what needs your attention right now—so you can stay focused and keep making progress.

Enter Spotlight: the new area in YNAB that brings your financial priorities into focus.

Whether it’s covering overspending, tracking key categories, or making sure you’re on track to get a month ahead, Spotlight puts the most important pieces of your plan front and center. Because when your money reflects your priorities, that’s you in the spotlight. 

Think back to MTV Cribs... I’m excited to show you around this brand-new space.

Your money, at a glance

Like onions, parfaits, and the ethereal musical enchantment of Enya, the new Spotlight area in YNAB has layers. Let’s peel them back!

Whenever you have actions to take (like transactions to review), you'll see alerts to show you exactly what you need to do, and which order to do them. Clear out those tasks, and then you get into the fun stuff.

‍

‍

Top Priorities: Your immediate goals

The name says it all. This is what matters most to you. You know what they say: where your attention goes, energy flows. Add the categories that matter most to you: what’s going to give you peace of mind? What’s going to help you make progress on your goals? You'll keep your focus (and your dollars) exactly where you want them.

Summary: A snapshot of your month

See a quick, clear picture of how things are going this month. It’s also a gateway to powerful tools that help you build a strong, flexible plan focused entirely on your values.

Assigned in Future Months: Build more margin

There’s one milestone that we know is life-changing for absolutely everyone: getting a month ahead.

Imagine being fully funded on the 1st. You’ll have the breathing room to face the unexpected (because there’s always something unexpected!) and the stability to make spending decisions with the kind of conviction that makes you stand taller.

Not sure how to get started? Tap “How to Get a Month Ahead”, and Hannah will walk you through it. We’ve been calling this “Pocket Hannah” because, honestly, who wouldn’t want a little Hannah wit and wisdom on demand?

Getting a month ahead is one of the best ways to build resilience into your plan—it’s like stepping back from the financial edge and finally exhaling.

Give it a shot. You can do this!

‍

Step into the Spotlight

Did the grand tour just make you want to open YNAB and pin your Top Priorities? Go on—Spotlight is ready when you are.

This is a brand-new space in YNAB, and we’re just getting started. Expect updates and improvements as we hear from you about what would make it even better.

While you’re here, why not get to know your spending style? Take our Spending Personality Quiz and see what your habits say about your values!

‍