
Some were easy (car insurance) while others are still a work in progress (grocery shopping!) I pick one budget item at a time and look for opportunities to improve it. I started doing this in a series called Optimize Everything. Optimize spending: One of the biggest benefits of budgeting, in addition to seeing where all your money goes, is the ability to identify all of your line-item expenses, and optimize your spending in each one.Recognizing this lets you shift spending from one category (ex. It can be eye-opening to see how your budget does, or does not, fit with your long-term goals.

Are you spending hundreds of dollars on clothes each month, when your real life’s goal is to travel the world? If so, your spending is not aligned with your goals. Align spending with priorities: In addition to showing where all of your money goes, it can help you align your spending with your priorities.Their support staff is also top-notch I’ve reached out to them several times with questions, and they are always responsive and helpful. While you don’t need to buy YNAB in order to access the blog or classes, they definitely go together well. You’ll also find a blog with good information on important financial topics like emergency funds, credit card management, and investing.
