YNAB Templates: Blueprints for Life’s Big Moments

Life’s biggest events often come with joy, excitement, and… ahem… money stress.

Much of this overwhelm stems from the costs that pile up with these new chapters. Wait, how much do diapers cost? And why is a wedding cake priced by the slice? It can feel like you’re constantly trying to predict future expenses without enough information… only to find out that when the bills finally come in, they’re higher than expected.

Imagine you’re about to climb an epic mountain. You know the view from the top will be absolutely stunning. You’ve got new hiking boots, a survival whistle, a half-eaten protein bar—and, uh-oh, no bear spray—but you’re determined to reach the summit. The real problem? You don’t have a map.

So instead of following a clear path, you’re stumbling over jagged rocks, clawing through tangled branches, and praying the summit is somewhere close to the direction you’re heading. Every step feels harder. Your legs burn, mosquitos are swarming your face, and worst of all, you’re lost and running low on water. That magical adventure? It’s turning into a miserable, sweaty struggle.

Would you climb a mountain without a map? Of course not. You’re a YNABer. A good map gives you a clear path, helps you avoid the unnecessary struggles, and makes sure you reach the top with energy (and a smile) to spare. 

That’s where YNAB Templates come in!

What are YNAB Templates?

We’ve created a gallery of pre-made templates that can be imported directly into your YNAB. Picture it like this: another savvy YNABer has already charted a course for you, and you can customize the route to fit your plans. 

YNAB Templates are straightforward, easy-to-follow guides that give you a solid starting point. They come pre-filled with categories you’ll likely need, and some even include example amounts. Voilà—instant setup!

You can import the template into your existing budget or add the categories to a brand-new spending plan. You even have the option to select which categories you want to include. It’s all about making it work for you.

Why use a YNAB Template?

Feeling overwhelmed by the expenses of a new life event? YNAB Templates are here to Start! Your! Engine!

• Save time: Start your next big adventure with a plan already in place—no wandering off the trail (unless, of course, you want to!). 
• ‍Get inspired: Why build a category from scratch if you don’t have to? Take a look at how others have paved the way first. See their category set-ups and example amounts.
• Customize with ease: No sweaty struggle here. Start with a YNAB template as your solid foundation, then easily rename categories, add or remove them to fit your needs, set new targets, and even sprinkle in emojis that speak to you.
• ‍Pay it forward: Are you happy dancing about how YNAB made your wedding, move, house-buying, baby, fill-in-the-blank easier?! Now you can share templates with friends and family who have a life event upcoming to give them that peace of mind you know so well.

Who are YNAB Templates for?

New YNABers. Seasoned YNABers. Every YNABer in between. You!

If you’re new to YNAB, templates are perfect for getting started without the overwhelm. Think of them as your GPS, mapping out a clear path so you can set up your own plan with confidence.

For seasoned YNABers, templates can be a great way to tackle new financial goals, plan for life changes, or explore new possibilities. 

You’re dreaming big, and we’re here for it. Whether you’re planning a wedding, welcoming a baby, or living your best life on vacation, these templates can help.

How do YNAB Templates work?

Currently, YNAB Templates are available exclusively on the web app. (Mobile users—we hope to integrate this more fully in the days to come!)

Here’s how it works: 

1. Find a template. Browse our gallery and scan the categories.
2. Import it into your YNAB. You won’t overwrite an existing budget, don’t worry!
3. Customize it to fit your needs. Rearrange categories, set your own targets, and make the template your own!

New to YNAB? You’ll be prompted to create an account, go through our onboarding process, and then add the template to your budget.

Then, you know what to do: start giving every dollar a job, and you’ll be on your way to conquering that financial mountain in no time.

Planning for major life events—and beyond!

Whether you're brand new to YNAB or have been with us for years, YNAB templates will give you fresh ideas on how to organize and manage your money. 

We bet you’ll come up with creative ways to use these templates beyond major life events (hello, holiday gift planning!). Plus, we’d love to hear your success stories—maybe your brilliant template could make it into our gallery one day!

Ready to give YNAB Templates a test drive? Do Bear Grylls proud and survive that hiking trip. Or those home renovations. Or that dream of parenting. You got this!

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