YNAB - worth it for our situation?

[Bluecarrot]

We arent in debt
We arent living pay check to paycheck
All our bills are automated
We have a main account, plus each have our seperate savings accounts, and I want to track the kids accounts - but dont want anything but the main account showing in available funds.
It needs to be simple to add a transaction. I dont want to categorise within an inch of its life.

However, we have money coming in at different times (2 or 3 amounts a week most weeks, not same amounts) and I havent been v good at keeping track and its slipping through our fingers!

I tried YNAB trial just after I had a new baby and didnt give it a proper go - I just remember feeling incredibly overwhelmed. Now Im wanting to get us on track Im wondering if someone with better working knowledge of it thought it should *(in theory) work for us.

[Quasicrystals1456]

I am a huge fan. I know lougle is too, and has given loads of pointers to those in need.

I think it's great to really know where money is going, and to never slip into dodgy unplanned expense territory.

[Bluecarrot]

Thanks Quasi
Im so tempted. Do you use it for automated debits? You are supposed to enter them they day they come out, right?

[Quasicrystals1456]

Yes I have all my automated debits (and credit cycles) entered.

It does take a few months to settle down and get used to it. I log in to online banking and ynab each morning.

I think for most people the annoying thing with ynab is that it cycles from 1st - 30/31st of the month. We get paid on 26th. Those 5/6 days throw me a bit.

[WipsGlitter]

Can you just not used a spreadsheet?!

[bluecarrot]

Hmm, I cant do second trial of the software. Bummer!

Wips - because obviously I can buy the answer to my problems ;) joking!

I used a spreadsheet when it was just me and my finances were far less complex. Now Im looking software that, among other things, populates with my downloaded bank statements and has an app for dp to use and helps us plan better.

Im browsing different apps that do it atm, and ynab has so many positive reviews

[yetanotherdeskmove]

Try having a look at account tracker,there's a free version which I'm using at the moment (for the last month) and it's really simple to use.

[bluecarrot]

Oh I like the look of that one. Great price too.

[annielostit]

Spend tracker is a good app - free, then you can upgrade